Brazilian Senate approves Cristiano Zanin as Supreme Court Justice with 58 votes

Cristiano Zanin has been approved by the Senate on Wednesday (June 21) as a new Justice of the Federal Supreme Court (STF).

Zanin, previously known as the lawyer for President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, will now assume the position on the Supreme Court.

Zanin’s approval was expected, and he received a significant majority of 58 votes in favor, with 18 votes against.

According to the current criteria, Zanin can serve on the STF until November 15, 2050, when he reaches the age of 75.

He is filling the vacancy left by Ricardo Lewandowski, who retired early on April 11.

At 47 years old, Zanin gained prominence as the lawyer who defended President Lula during the Lava Jato operation.

He faced allegations and subsequent imprisonment related to proceedings overseen by former judge and current senator Sergio Moro.

Lula was sentenced to nearly 30 years in prison and spent 580 days behind bars.

In the days leading up to his swearing-in at the Senate’s Constitution and Justice Commission (CCJ), Zanin met with senators to secure their support.

He received unanimous backing from the Brazilian Democratic Movement Party (MDB), the Social Democratic Party (PSD), and the Workers’ Party (PT).

The Progressive Party (PP) senator Ciro Nogueira, even though an opponent of the government, declared his support for Zanin’s appointment.

Nogueira previously served as the Minister of the Civil House in President Jair Bolsonaro’s administration.

The ruling parties in the Senate were confident of victory from the beginning, and the approval in the CCJ was achieved with ease, with 21 votes in favor and 5 against.

During the CCJ session, Zanin faced questioning from 31 senators on various topics, including his relationship with Lula, his legal career, the Lava Jato operation, abortion, drug policy, and the demarcation of indigenous lands.

Zanin emphasized his commitment to the Constitution, his gratitude towards President Lula for nominating him, and his belief in impartiality when handling cases.

He also expressed his opinion on several issues, such as the need to fight drug-related problems, the importance of considering indigenous rights, and his respect for individual rights, including same-sex marriage.

Zanin emphasized that the voice of public opinion should not dictate legal decisions, and that judges should adhere to the constitution and the law rather than seeking to please public sentiment.