Justice Luis Roberto Barroso of the Federal Supreme Court (STF) stated that he confronted and defeated “Bolsonarism” during an event at the 59th Congress of the National Student Union (UNE).
Barroso’s remarks came after being booed by a group of students due to his involvement in court cases, including those related to nursing wages and the impeachment of former President Dilma Rousseff.
Barroso responded to the booing by asserting that he was unafraid and emphasized the importance of building the country and protecting democracy and free expression.
The students also criticized him for suspending the minimum nursing wage, which was later reinstated.
Regarding the protests, Barroso acknowledged the right to freedom of expression and stated that only a dictatorship would suppress it by closing Congress, removing mandates, imposing censorship, or holding political prisoners.
Despite the backlash, Barroso remained undeterred and expressed his commitment to engaging in debates within a democratic framework.
The protest was organized by a group called Faísca Revolucionária, consisting of Trotskyist students associated with the Revolutionary Workers Movement (MRT) who oppose the current UNE leadership.
In response to Barroso’s comments, opposition deputies have begun discussing the possibility of initiating impeachment proceedings against him, alleging that he engaged in party political activity.
Nikolas Ferreira and Bia Kicis, deputies from the opposition party, criticized Barroso’s speech, with Ferreira stating that the loss of office was undeniable.
The opposition’s dissatisfaction extended beyond Barroso, as they also protested against Agriculture Minister Carlos Fávaro.
The group expressed disappointment with the UNE’s alignment with centrist figures they deemed disconnected from the interests of students, workers, and marginalized communities.
During the congress, Justice Minister Flávio Dino expressed the government’s support for regulating social networks, which are seen as platforms promoting right-wing and economic power ideas.
The discussion surrounding the Fake News or Censorship Bill, however, has been stalled in the Chamber of Deputies since May.
In light of Barroso’s remarks at the UNE event, the opposition is actively considering filing an impeachment request against him for engaging in party political activity, as defined by the impeachment law.
Deputies Nikolas Ferreira, Bia Kicis, and Julia Zanatta have all voiced their intent to pursue impeachment proceedings against Barroso.