Party launched Rebelo as a pre-candidate for Planalto in February 2026; on Saturday (May 18), Joaquim Barbosa announced for the dispute
The former minister stated that he will go to court if Christian Democracy officially replaces his pre-candidacy for the Presidency of the Republic with that of retired Federal Supreme Court minister Joaquim Barbosa. The statement was given this Monday (May 18, 2026) to journalist from .
Rebelo was chief minister of Brazil’s Secretariat for Political Coordination and Institutional Affairs (2004-2005), Sports (2011-2015), Science, Technology and Innovation (2015) and Defense (2015-2016).
Christian Democracy had launched Rebelo as a pre-candidate for Planalto in February this year. On Saturday (May 16), the national president of the party, João Caldas, the pre-candidacy of the retired minister of the Federal Supreme Court.
“Probably, if confirmed (Joaquim Barbosa’s pre-candidacy), it will be taken to the convention and, in the worst case, a judicialization process”said Rebelo. “If there is a threat to my pre-candidacy, in this case, the issue will be taken to court. Otherwise, it will move towards a peaceful and democratic dispute at the convention.”
Mensalão rapporteur
Joaquim Barbosa was appointed to the position of minister of the STF in 2003 by President Lula, in his 1st term. He gained notoriety in 2006 as minister rapporteur for the Mensalão process and led the trial that led to the conviction of several high-ranking politicians and businesspeople.
He assumed the presidency of the STF on November 22, 2012, holding the position until his voluntary and early retirement from the Court on July 31, 2014.
