The Supreme Federal Court (STF) restarts activities on Monday (2) after a recess marked by controversies in the Banco Master investigation. The court faces internal divisions and pressures from the National Congress in an election year. President Edson Fachin seeks to defend the court's image in a solemn session with nearly full quorum.
The STF resumes operations on Monday (February 2, 2026), after an intense recess due to the Banco Master investigation crisis. Divided by the case's repercussions, the court faces the challenge of overcoming internal disputes and protecting itself from wear in an election year, with expected clashes with the National Congress.
Edson Fachin, STF president, called a solemn session with nearly full quorum, except for Minister Luiz Fux, who joins remotely due to pneumonia. Fachin is expected to speak in defense of the court, but there are doubts if he will address the code of conduct for magistrates, an initiative that divides the ministers. One group supports the proposal, but another wing resists, fearing new attacks at a delicate time.
Dias Toffoli, relator of the Banco Master investigation, is at the center of the controversies. He flew on a private jet with a case lawyer in November and has family ties to a fund linked to the bank. Recently, Toffoli signaled he will decide whether to remit the case to the first instance, an attempt at damage control after heterodox decisions, such as a confrontation with the Central Bank and maintaining secrecy in the inquiry. He partially lifted the secrecy on Federal Police depositions from Daniel Vorcaro (Master owner), Paulo Henrique Costa (ex-BRB) and Ailton de Aquino (BC), who diverge on fake credits.
Three ministers foresee clashes with Congress, such as impeachment requests, CPIs and the 'anti-STF package'. The agenda includes sensitive trials: parliamentary amendments (March 10-11), Marielle Franco's murder (February 24) and Eduardo Bolsonaro's case in the first semester. On the 4th, the plenary judges CNJ rules on social media, with Alexandre de Moraes as relator and four votes to maintain them.
Confirmed attendees include President Lula, Davi Alcolumbre (Senate) and Hugo Motta (Chamber). Jorge Messias, nominated to the STF, also attends. The court operates with 10 ministers after Luís Roberto Barroso's retirement. Fachin scheduled a meeting on February 12 to discuss topics like the code of conduct.
