Luís Roberto Barroso on Friday (17) his activities as minister of the STF (Supreme Federal Court), after requesting early retirement. Even outside the Court, he is entitled to lifelong personal security, a benefit recently approved by the Supreme Court itself.
The decision that guarantees permanent protection to former ministers, unanimously, in a virtual plenary. The case’s rapporteur was Barroso himself, who responded to a request from retired minister Marco Aurélio Mello, away from the court since 2021. It is up to the minister himself to decide whether he wants to maintain security or not.
In his vote, Barroso argued that, even after leaving office, former members of the Supreme Court remain exposed to risks arising from public service. He stated that the context of insecurity justifies maintaining the escort.
“The scenario has worsened, as demonstrated by the explosive attack on the STF headquarters building, on November 13, 2024, and by repeated serious threats directed at Court ministers — which, due to their notoriety, do not require detailed description,” he wrote.
Before the change, the security benefit was guaranteed for up to 36 months after retirement, with the possibility of extension depending on the case of each minister. At the time, the Supreme Court did not inform the financial impact of the decision.
In April this year, the STF approved the 2026 budget with a jump in security spending. The Court plans to spend R$72 million in 2026 for institutional security. In 2020, the value was approximately R$40 million, representing an increase of 80%.
