Brazil Addresses January 8 Coup Attempt with Accountability, Amid Mixed Public Views on Supreme Court
Brazil has legally condemned those involved in the January 8 coup attempt, while public trust in the Supreme Federal Court faces growing criticism, reflecting a complex political climate.
- • President Lula stated Brazil has addressed its past by condemning those involved in the January 8 coup attempt through legal means.
- • A recent PoderData survey shows 44% of Brazilians rate the Supreme Federal Court's work as bad or terrible.
- • Negative evaluations of the Supreme Federal Court have increased by 3 percentage points since June 2023.
- • The Supreme Federal Court has been involved in significant rulings concerning Bolsonaro, big tech, and labor reforms.
Key details
On January 20, 2023, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva declared a historic moment for Brazil, stating that the country has "finally settled its accounts with the past" by holding accountable those involved in the January 8 coup attempt. Lula emphasized that for the first time in Brazil's history, the individuals responsible for this attempted coup d'état have been condemned through a proper legal process, marking a significant step in the nation's democratic resilience.
While the government's actions demonstrate a firm legal response, public opinion towards the judiciary reveals a more divided sentiment. A recent PoderData survey conducted between December 13 and 15, 2025, with 2,500 respondents, found that 44% of Brazilians rate the work of the Supreme Federal Court (STF) as "bad" or "terrible." Additionally, 29% considered the STF's performance "regular," leaving only 14% who viewed it positively as "excellent" or "good." This negative evaluation represents a 3 percentage point rise compared to June 2023, marking the highest disapproval rating since September 2022.
The STF has been involved in high-profile rulings recently, including those related to former President Jair Bolsonaro, actions taken against major tech companies, and labor reforms, which might contribute to the fluctuating public perception. Despite these mixed views on the judiciary, Lula’s statement underlines a crucial milestone in Brazil’s democratic process by legally addressing the serious challenge posed by the coup attempt.
This dual narrative of governmental accountability alongside skeptical public opinion towards the STF frames the ongoing discourse in Brazil as the country moves forward from the political crisis of January 2023. It highlights the complex path toward reconciliation and the restoration of trust in Brazil's institutions.
This article was synthesized and translated from native language sources to provide English-speaking readers with local perspectives.
