Minister Luiz, president of the (Supreme Federal Court), stated this Monday (2) that ministers must answer for their own actions, preached clarity of limits and respect for republican criticism, defended self-correction and spoke about the challenge of integrity of institutions and the court’s commitment to a code of ethics.
In a speech to open the judicial year and in the midst of the STF’s image crisis, Fachin also announced to the rapporteur the draft code of ethics he defends — a measure that has been the target of demands from civil society in recent months, but which is the target of resistance from some magistrates.
“The question is whether the time has come for the court to signal, through its own actions, that the moment is different. My conviction is that this moment has arrived. The phase now is for the full resumption of long-term institutional construction,” said Fachin.
The ceremony takes place after a recess troubled by an image crisis. During the period, Fachin tried to get around the issue. There was a special request from him for everyone to attend the formal session in person.
The exception was made by Minister Luiz Fux, . The magistrate informed Fachin that, due to the condition, he would participate remotely in the session.
In the session, Fachin stated that institutions must learn lessons to remain intact. According to him, they need to have clear limits for their actions.
“We opened the year fully aware that moments of adversity require more than speeches. They require clarity of limits and absolute fidelity to the Federal Constitution,” he said.
In his speech, Fachin reinforced his call for the creation of a document that governs the conduct of ministers on more than one occasion, including at the end of his speech. According to him, keeping the judiciary firm and intact reinforces the legitimacy of democracy.
“I will continue seeking to provide Brazilian society with legal security with legitimacy. I reaffirm my commitment to the adoption of a Code of Ethics for the Court”, he concluded.
The ceremony was attended by the expected presence of the presidents of the Republic, Luiz Inácio da Silva (PT), of the Federal, (-AP), and of, (-PB). The OAB (Brazilian Bar Association) and the PGR (Attorney General’s Office) have the floor for demonstrations.
After a recess marked by an attempt by the president of the STF to overcome the court’s image crisis, the opening of the 2026 judicial year brought together an almost complete quorum of ministers. There was a special request from Fachin for everyone to attend the formal session in person.
The presence of the Union’s attorney general, Jorge Messias, was also expected and confirmed. He was nominated in November by Lula for the vacancy opened in the STF with the retirement of Luís Roberto Barroso, but has not yet passed the hearing in the Senate. The court begins 2026, therefore, with one minister less.
Fachin invited the ministers to a meeting on February 12th — a celebratory lunch, but there is an expectation that the code of conduct will be on the menu.
