CNN Brasil reports that court insiders anticipate judicial reform under either election outcome, but say a Flávio Bolsonaro victory could bring deeper changes and heighten tensions with the Senate.
After the first round of Brazil’s election on October 4, some justices at the Supreme Federal Court (STF) are anticipating judicial reform regardless of who wins the presidency. But political analyst Matheus Teixeira of CNN Brasil reported that some inside the court expect a Flávio Bolsonaro victory to bring more far-reaching changes and require negotiations with his potential allies in the Senate and Chamber of Deputies.
Among measures included in Bolsonaro’s platform is removing criminal cases from the STF and sending them to lower courts. Deputies, senators and other officials whose cases are now heard by the top court because of special jurisdiction would no longer have that privilege. Teixeira also reported discussion of fixed terms for justices: 12 or 15 years, or a minimum appointment age of 60. Combined with mandatory retirement at 75, the age threshold would create a 15-year term.
Teixeira said the court also expects pressure from the Senate and possible impeachment efforts against justices. Alexandre de Moraes could be a primary target for Bolsonaro supporters, while Flávio Dino has also been mentioned. A decision by Gilmar Mendes last year that raised the number of votes required to approve an impeachment could make such efforts harder. These are scenarios and assessments reported by Teixeira, not announced court decisions.