The minister of, Gilmar Mendesstated this Thursday (30) that the Senate reflects a “political crisis” faced by the president’s government Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (PT).
In an interview with SBT News, the dean of the Court assessed that the defeat is not related to the capacity of the PT nominee, but rather to difficulties in political articulation within the Planalto. “This is not a rejection due to a lack of professional requirements, it is a political crisis”these.
Messias was barred from the Senate plenary after receiving 34 votes in favor and 42 against. To be approved for a vacancy on the STF, at least 41 votes were needed.
According to Gilmar, the scenario is linked to the fact that the government operates on a minority basis in Congress. For the minister, this unfavorable situation also has repercussions on the role of the Judiciary.
“This situation leads to a greater need for intervention by the STF and this also causes friction in the relationship between the government and Congress”, he stated.
In Gilmar’s assessment, the episode should lead to an internal review within the Lula government regarding the political conduct of the nomination. “It is necessary to carry out a review and for everyone to assume their responsibility”these.
The minister also refuted behind-the-scenes versions that point to alleged actions by members of the Supreme Court to weaken support for Messias. “It doesn’t make any sense. I don’t see any sense in this type of conspiracy theory,” he declared.
As shown by CNN Brazil, Planalto sources claim that a wing of the STF also acted to weaken support to the Senate nominee.
Messias’ alignment with Mendonça and his defense of a Code of Ethics for the judiciary would have caused resistance among members of the Court. In Planalto, the opposition of ministers such as Alexandre de Moraes e Flavio Dino to the indicated.
