Thrilled, Minister conducted his last session at the head of the court on Thursday (25) before being replaced by Edson Fachin; Dean Gilmar Mendes stated that ‘democracy passed unscathed by fire proof’
The minister ended on Thursday (25) his two-year term as president of the Federal Supreme Court (). In his last session at the head of the court, he highlighted visibly thrilled that the court was decisive for the preservation of democracy and fundamental rights, even in the face of pressures and the wear and tear caused by judgments of polarizing themes.
Barroso thanked his colleagues and stated that the Supreme Court fulfilled “with personal cost to ministers” the role of “preserving the rule of law”. He stressed that, since the 1988 Constitution, the country has lived in institutional stability, with freedom of the press and respect for minority rights. The magistrate also defended the search for political pacification, based on respect for differences.
The dean paid an emotionally tribute to his colleague and recalled the judgment of the 2022 coup attempt, classifying him as “the biggest robbery against democracy in recent history.” According to him, the condemnation of a former president and high-patent military personnel is a rare episode in the world and was only possible thanks to the firmness of the court. “Brazilian democracy has been unscathed by this proof of fire,” he said. Mendes also highlighted the role of Minister Alexandre de Moraes in the process.
The Attorney General of the Republic, and the Attorney General of the Union, also exalted the conduct of Barroso in the period marked by attacks on institutions and the resistance of the judiciary. He leaves office next Monday (29), when he will be succeeded by Minister Edson Fachin. Alexandre de Moraes will assume the vice presidency of the Supreme.
Posted by Felipe Dantas
*Report produced with the aid of AI
