Attorney General Jorge Messias Criticizes STF Judicial Activism Amid Bid for Supreme Court Seat

Attorney General Jorge Messias is actively campaigning for confirmation as a minister of Brazil’s Supreme Federal Court (STF), using his platform to denounce what he describes as judicial activism by the court, particularly concerning political matters. Messias has voiced strong opposition to the judiciary acting as a "Procon of politics"—a political watchdog—or as a fallback for elected officials when political processes unfold.

His critique intensified following a ruling by STF's longest-serving minister, Gilmar Mendes, which limited impeachment proceedings against judges exclusively to the Attorney General’s office. Messias challenged this ruling by requesting its reconsideration on March 3, arguing that it undermines democratic principles by restricting any citizen’s right to initiate impeachment processes. He emphasized that all power derives from the people and warned that narrowing impeachment procedures infringes upon the Parliament’s authority.

The context around this debate involves increased political tensions within the Senate, where Messias is seeking to secure at least 41 votes for his confirmation. He has strategically distanced himself from figures closely tied to the current government, including Flávio Dino, to bolster his appeal among senators. Reflecting on the political environment in Brasília, Messias quipped, "Brasília is a place where everyone knows each other, and if I weren't capable, I wouldn't have survived."

This challenge to judicial limits on impeachment comes amid broader controversies involving the STF's role in political disputes, highlighting the delicate balance between judicial oversight and democratic governance in Brazil. Messias' stance signals a pushback against court interventions that some perceive as overreach, setting the stage for significant debate as he pursues his position on the nation's highest court.