Brazil’s Bolsonaro on STF: “We have 2 Justices, 20% of what we would like”

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – President Jair Bolsonaro on Thursday (2) said he now has 20% of what he would like within the Federal Supreme Court (STF), after his nominee to the Court, André Mendonça, was confirmed.

“Two names were approved, two people who mark a renewal of the Supreme Court. All institutions must be renewed,” the President said during a ceremony to launch the “Auxílio-gas” (Gas Aid) program at the Planalto Palace. “I don’t control the votes in the Supreme Court, but these two Justices represent, in theory, 20% of what we would like to be decided and voted on,” he added.

Nominated to the STF for being “terribly evangelical,” Mendonça was approved on Wednesday, December 1, by the Senate and will take office on December 16, when the Court will again have 11 Justices.

In yesterday’s address, Bolsonaro further stated that magistrates “have the right” to hold divergent opinions.

“We had a commitment to appoint an evangelical to the Supreme Court, but an evangelical with tremendous background knowledge. The vote was secret, I thank senators for understanding that André is suitable to be a Justice who will in no way give up defending our Constitution, democracy, and freedom,” the Chief Executive said.