Cristiano Zanin, aged 47, a former lawyer, is set to be inaugurated as a minister of the Supreme Federal Court (STF) this Thursday, August 3, succeeding Ricardo Lewandowski, who retired earlier in April.
Zanin was confirmed in the Senate on June 21, following a 7-hour and 43-minute hearing by the Committee on Constitution and Justice (CCJ), with a vote of 21 to 5.
His nomination was later approved by the full Senate, receiving 58 votes in favor and 18 against.
Born in Piracicaba, São Paulo, on November 15, 1975, Zanin may serve on the STF until November 15, 2050, when he must retire at 75.
A business and criminal litigation specialist, Zanin is a member of various legal associations and institutions.
He’s been involved in significant legal matters, including filing a habeas corpus petition that led to the annulment of convictions against President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
Besides his close professional connection with the current President, Zanin’s choice also considered the political climate and the relationship between the government and the Senate.
The selection of Zanin reflects a complex mix of legal expertise, political considerations, and personal trust, and his appointment to the STF marks a significant moment in Brazil’s legal and political landscape.