President Lula nominated Jorge Messias, head of the AGU, for the STF vacancy left by Luís Roberto Barroso, prioritizing his Senate approval. Aides say the AGU succession will be addressed after the hearing, as Senate President Davi Alcolumbre strongly opposes the choice. Evangelical support emerges as a strategic factor to secure votes in the House.
On Thursday (20), Lula officially nominated Jorge Messias for the Supreme Federal Court (STF), defying Davi Alcolumbre (União Brasil-AP), who favored Rodrigo Pacheco (PSD-MG) for the vacancy. The president's aides state the priority is securing Messias' approval in the Senate hearing, postponing discussions on his AGU successor. Until the vote, Messias remains in the position, avoiding dual command.
Senators report Alcolumbre is furious with Lula, threatening to break with the government and rallying opposition to block the nomination. He potentially has around 40 votes in a secret ballot requiring 41 for approval. Pastor Silas Malafaia criticized Alcolumbre, recalling his resistance to André Mendonça's 2021 nomination, and defended presidential prerogative.
Messias, an evangelical and deacon, received support from religious leaders and Justice Mendonça at the National Convention of the Assemblies of God in São Paulo on the 21st. Mendonça stated: "Messias will have all my support in republican dialogue with the Senators." Senators like Mecias de Jesus (Republicanos-RR) and Marcos Pereira (Republicanos-SP) praised the choice, highlighting defense of Christian values.
The nomination, made on Black Consciousness Day, drew criticism for lacking diversity, with allies suggesting a woman for AGU as compensation. Candidates include Flavio Roman and Isadora Cartaxo. Folha readers diverge: some praise Messias' qualifications, others lament the absence of a Black female judge.
