President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has instructed his aides to resume dialogue with Senate President Davi Alcolumbre following the rejection of Jorge Messias for the Supreme Court. Meetings took place this week to ease tensions between the executive and Congress. The episode highlighted accumulated friction between the institutions.
On Wednesday, May 6, Alcolumbre stated he does not have to wait for anything from the federal government. He met Defense Minister José Múcio on Tuesday and Institutional Relations Minister José Guimarães on Wednesday. The talks were described as cordial, aimed at gauging the senator's mood and keeping channels open.
Lula stressed that Messias's defeat, by 34 votes to 42, should remain in the past. Alcolumbre indicated it is not the time for a new STF nomination and argued it should occur only in 2027. He denied a permanent alliance with the Bolsonaro-led opposition.
Senator Rodrigo Pacheco said he will decide by the end of May on his candidacy for governor of Minas Gerais. The decision hinges on signals of support from the Planalto and renewed ties between Lula and Alcolumbre.
