Gilmar Mendes' Ruling on Impeachment Sparks Political Division Ahead of STF Plenary

Supreme Federal Court Minister Gilmar Mendes recently ruled that impeachment requests against court ministers can only be initiated by the Prosecutor General's Office (PGR), a decision that has deepened political polarization in Brazil. This ruling directly affects Jorge Messias' Supreme Court candidacy, with political leaders divided; some see it helping Messias gain centrist support due to his ties to Senator Rodrigo Pacheco, while opposition members are skeptical, viewing the Attorney General of the Union (AGU)'s late request to reconsider the ruling as opportunistic.

The AGU, whose position is signed by Messias, has proposed legislative changes to streamline the impeachment process, suggesting in a bill authored by Pacheco and reported by Senator Weverton Rocha the establishment of a 30-day deadline for legislative leaders to act on impeachment requests. There is general skepticism in Congress that the STF plenary will completely reverse Mendes' decision, with many believing Mendes acted with peer support.

Chamber President Hugo Motta described Mendes' decision as a product of political polarization and has been engaging with Senate President Davi Alcolumbre and Mendes to seek consensus. Alcolumbre has sharply criticized the ruling, calling it a "usurpation" of legislative powers. The issue will be addressed in a virtual plenary session scheduled for December 12, where the court will decide whether to uphold or overturn the decision.

While the Planalto Palace remains cautiously optimistic about the AGU’s stance potentially aligning Messias with Alcolumbre, the political climate remains tense as divisions continue over judicial authority and legislative roles in impeachment proceedings.