Senator Marcio Bittar (PL-AC) stated he has nothing to discuss with Jorge Messias, President Lula's nominee to the STF, but would receive him if he showed up at his office. Bittar is one of the few senators Messias has not yet met. Messias's hearing before the Senate's CCJ is scheduled for April 28.
Jorge Messias, the AGU minister, was nominated by President Lula (PT) to the Supreme Federal Court (STF) six months ago. Since the Senate must hold hearings and approve nominees in a secret ballot, Messias has been visiting the 81 senators' offices to build support.
Last week, he managed to meet two senators who had initially resisted: Hamilton Mourão (Republicanos-RS), former vice president under Jair Bolsonaro, and Eduardo Girão (Novo-CE). However, Marcio Bittar (PL-AC), a senator aligned with former President Bolsonaro, remains among those not yet contacted.
"I have nothing to talk about with him, but I'm not rude. If I'm in the office and he comes, I won't refuse to meet him," Bittar told Folha. He added that he has always been clear about not supporting Messias and that the minister did not request a direct meeting.
The Senate's Constitution and Justice Committee (CCJ) will hold Messias's hearing on April 28, with a plenary vote expected the same day. Approval requires at least 41 of the 80 senators' votes, with the session president voting only in case of a tie.
