Senate Begins Hearing for Jorge Messias's Nomination to Brazil's Supreme Federal Court

On April 29, 2026, the Brazilian Senate commenced the hearing of Jorge Messias, Minister of the Attorney General's Office, who has been nominated by President Lula to join the Supreme Federal Court (STF). The hearing, held in the Constitution and Justice Commission (CCJ), was anticipated to cover critical national matters including amnesty, abortion, drug policies, and the prevailing ethical crisis within the STF. Messias requires the support of 14 out of the 27 CCJ senators to advance to the full Senate, where he must then secure a simple majority of 41 votes from 81 senators for confirmation.

The session was delayed for five months due to resistance from Senate President Davi Alcolumbre, who has not explicitly endorsed Messias and has not met with him. This political tension has caused frustration among government allies, though there remains optimism for Messias's approval. A photograph of Senator Rodrigo Pacheco with Messias was seen as solidifying PSB’s backing, despite Pacheco previously being the favored candidate for the seat by Senate leadership.

The newly formed CCJ includes key senators from various parties such as MDB, PSB, PL, and PT, including influential figures like Eduardo Braga, Renan Calheiros, and Jader Barbalho. The government has strategically released approximately R$12 billion in parliamentary amendments in the days leading up to the vote, aiming to strengthen ties with Congress and secure support.

Although government officials project at least 45 favorable votes in a secret ballot, uncertainty remains as the nomination has stirred dissatisfaction among senators, particularly Alcolumbre. Additionally, Flávio Bolsonaro, a presidential pre-candidate from the PL, has been advised to maintain caution and allow his party colleagues to vote according to their conscience. Randolfe Rodrigues, government leader in Congress, refuted any deals linked to the forthcoming vote on sentencing guidelines, distancing the nomination from broader legislative negotiations.

This hearing marks a decisive step in confirming Jorge Messias’s role on Brazil’s highest court amid a politically charged environment and significant expectations from the government and Senate alike.