Lula to Announce Supreme Court Successor and Ministerial Appointment Ahead of Asia Trip
Brazilian President Lula is set to announce his nominee for the Supreme Federal Court seat left by Barroso alongside naming Guilherme Boulos as minister prior to his diplomatic trip to Asia.
- • Lula to announce Supreme Court successor and ministerial nomination before Asia trip.
- • Attorney General Jorge Messias is the favorite to replace Justice Barroso, with Senator Rodrigo Pacheco also considered.
- • Guilherme Boulos expected to be appointed Secretary General of the Presidency to liaise with social movements.
- • Lula's Asia trip includes participation at ASEAN summit and a sought meeting with former U.S. President Trump.
Key details
President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva is expected to finalize and announce two key political decisions before his upcoming diplomatic trip to Asia scheduled to begin Tuesday morning. According to the political blog by Valdo Cruz on Globo, Lula plans to reveal the replacement for outgoing Supreme Federal Court Justice Luís Roberto Barroso as well as appoint Congressman Guilherme Boulos as a minister in the presidential cabinet.
The appointment of Barroso's successor to the Supreme Federal Court (STF) carries significant national importance. The current Attorney General, Jorge Messias, is the leading candidate for this prestigious judicial position. However, there remains speculation around Senator Rodrigo Pacheco also being considered, as he is supported by Senate President Davi Alcolumbre. Lula has taken 58 days so far to make this crucial selection, signaling the high stakes involved.
In addition, Lula's anticipated nomination of Guilherme Boulos as Secretary General of the Presidency highlights his administration's focus on social movements. Boulos, a prominent figure within progressive social circles, has been in discussions with Lula regarding this role since earlier this year, underlining his expected bridging role between the government and grassroots organizations.
Lula’s Asia trip will include stops in Indonesia and Malaysia, where he will attend the ASEAN summit. During this event, Lula is also seeking a meeting with former U.S. President Donald Trump, aiming to advance trade negotiations and possibly address tensions caused by Brazil's political dynamics domestically.
Two direct advisors to President Lula confirmed that both political announcements would be concluded by Tuesday morning at the latest, right before the president's departure. This timing underscores Lula’s intention to present a united and decisive front domestically before engaging on the international diplomatic stage.
These moves reflect Lula’s strategic balancing of judicial appointments and ministerial selections as foundational steps for his current term, as well as the broader geopolitical engagement planned for the week ahead.