(Analysis) In Brazil, tensions between Congress and the Supreme Court (STF) are escalating, drawing attention nationwide and beyond.
Criticism has peaked, with Elon Musk calling STF Justice Alexandre de Moraes a “brutal dictator” and pushing for his impeachment.
This conflict now focuses on the Senate, where significant future clashes may occur.
During a pivotal dinner on April 15, hosted by Supreme Court Justice Gilmar Mendes, President Lula, Justice Minister Ricardo Lewandowski, and Jorge Messias of the Attorney General’s Office discussed the growing attacks on the STF.
This gathering underscored concerns about these tensions impacting Lula’s reelection efforts and the rise of right-wing power in the Senate.
By 2026, with 54 out of 81 Senate seats contested, the political balance could dramatically shift. The Senate uniquely holds the power to initiate impeachment against STF justices.
A future Senate majority sympathetic to ex-President Jair Bolsonaro could destabilize the STF, a scenario Lula fears could render Brazil ungovernable, but deemed necessary by many.
Consequently, Lula is urging his Workers’ Party (PT) to form alliances to strengthen their Senate presence in the 2026 elections, even if it means sacrificing positions in this year’s municipal elections.
Escalating Strains Between Brazilian Congress and Supreme Court Raise Alarms
Bolsonaro’s supporters plan to campaign against what they see as “judicial activism” by the STF, particularly its roles in censoring social media and investigating fake news.
PL party president Valdemar Costa Neto hopes for a peaceful resolution, despite the tension following Musk’s public disagreement with Moraes.
He emphasizes the importance of not politicizing the issue and acknowledges that the Supreme Court isn’t always at fault, as political parties often prematurely involve the judiciary.
Former Senate President Davi Alcolumbre, now head of the Constitutional and Justice Committee and leaning towards far-right groups, indicates readiness to confront the STF aggressively.
These political dynamics illustrate the ongoing intricate interactions between Brazil’s political factions and judicial entities since the turbulent 2022 elections.