The STF minister responded to Psol’s request and blocked R$4.2 billion in parliamentary amendments; cites “institutional degradation” at congress
The minister of the STF (Supreme Federal Court) Flávio Dino cited “suitcases of money being seized from planes, safes, lockers or thrown out of windows” in the decision last Monday (Dec 23, 2024) that R$ 4.2 billion in parliamentary amendments. Here is the decision (PDF – 254 kB).
The action was a request from Psol, which cited irregularities in the allocation of the amount in commission amendments, which do not have mandatory payment. In the decision, Dino determined that the amendments could only be released if the Chamber presented the minutes of the allocation of resources.
The minister also asked for an investigation to be opened by the PF (Federal Police) to investigate the release of the amendments and the allegations of irregularities. Dino said that this type of accusation “it is not compatible with the constitutional order, notably with the principles of Public Administration and Public Finance”.
“Such institutional degradation constitutes an unacceptable series of unconstitutionalities, demanding the persevering action of the Federal Supreme Court”said the magistrate.
DINO
The relationship between the STF minister and the Legislative House deteriorated with the Court’s decision, in August, to transfer mandatory, non-mandatory amendments, known as “Pix amendments”.
At the time, Dino said that the National Congress should formulate rules that provide more transparency and traceability for the transfer of resources. The minister classified the transfer as it was as “unconstitutional”.
Dino’s decision, confirmed by the STF, was widely supported by congressmen. The friction between the 2 powers lasted months and even involved the Executive, as deputies and senators did not want to approve government proposals if the suspension of amendments was maintained.
To regain support from Congress, the government of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (PT) even considered a “” to circumvent the STF decision. The term indicates that the Executive would find a loophole in the rules defined by the Court that allows the amendments to be passed on.
The government managed to apply one to make the amendments viable. However, with Dino’s recent decision, the future of the relationship between the plateau and the congress is unknown.
