The President of the Senate, Davi Alcolombre (União Brasil-AP), on Sunday (30) criticized what he described as unjustified interference by the federal government in the voting process for Jorge Mesías as the possible next minister of the Federal Supreme Court.
He defended the deadline set for the hearing of Lula’s nominee, scheduled for December 10th.
The Colombian said that the choice made by the President of the Republic and published in the “Official Gazette” of the Federation causes confusion in the Senate because the written message has not yet been sent.
According to him, the Lula government appears to seek to unjustifiably interfere with the timetable established by the Chamber of Deputies, which is the exclusive prerogative of the Federal Senate.
how Bound It showed that the government has not yet sent the necessary documents to the Senate to conduct Mesias’ hearing in the Constitution and Justice Committee (CCJ).
The theory hearing is scheduled for December 10, and can only be held after all documents are completed. This is information such as professional history, negative tax payment certificates and legal formalities.
“In fact, the deadline set for the hearing is consistent with almost all previous indications and allows for a definition in 2025, avoiding the delay that has been strongly criticized at other times,” Alcolombre said in a memo.
The deadline set by the Senate President does not deviate from the standard for a majority of open vacancies on the court. Lula nominated Messias on November 20, and he will be heard on December 10, that is, 20 days later.
This period is the same as other members of the STF, such as Cristiano Zanin, in 2023, and Gilmar Mendes, in 2002.
There have been faster hearings, such as those of Cassio Nunes Márquez (19 days, in 2020), Flavio Dino (17 days, in 2023), Alexandre de Moraes (16 days, in 2017), and Dias Toffoli (14 days, in 2009). Carmen Lucia (14 days, in 2006) and Louise Fox – the fastest, with a difference of only 9 days since their nomination, in 2011.
Al-Colombri stated that there is a clear attempt by sectors of the executive authority to create a false impression, before society, that disputes between authorities are resolved by adjusting physiological interests, with positions and adjustments.
In his opinion, this is an old way of excluding anyone who does not agree with an idea or interest at the present time.
He said, “No force should rule itself above another, and no one should have a monopoly on reason. An attempt to weaken the morale of others for the purpose of self-promotion cannot be allowed, especially on grounds that are not compatible with reality.”
He added: “If the right of the President of the Republic to nominate a Minister for the Strategic Trust Fund is confirmed, the Senate also has the right to choose, approve or reject the name. In this process, it is necessary that the powers respect each other and that each performs its role in accordance with the constitutional and regulatory rules.”
The political tension that has arisen since President Lula chose Mesías for a vacant position in the STF has left sectors of the Senate fearful of the consequences of the possible rejection of the name.
This measure would open up an unprecedented modern crisis – the last time the House of Representatives blocked an appointment to the STF was at the end of the 19th century, at the beginning of the republican period.
The assessment of the senators who began reporting the fear behind the scenes is that in such a situation, all involved could suffer unpredictable losses.
The prevailing analysis in the House of Representatives and among government officials is that the problem is much bigger than that of Messias, who enjoys great popularity in the world of politics. It will be necessary for Lula to intervene and reach an agreement with the President of the Senate to save the Supreme Court nominee.
Alcombre, like most of his colleagues, wanted the President of the Republic to select Rodrigo Pacheco (PSD-MG) for the open position in the STF.
The Senate President publicly expressed his displeasure. Behind the scenes, he showed his willingness to block the nomination. This stubbornness made the senators who supported Lula’s candidate act more discreetly and discreetly.
The Senate president told his allies that he had 60 votes to reject the nomination in the plenary session. Even if the government receives the necessary support, he indicated that he would shorten the voting time to avoid obtaining the minimum necessary for Messias to take office.