Minister Alexandre de Moraes, of the STF (Supreme Federal Court), is the only Brazilian included in this year’s list of the 25 most influential people compiled by the British newspaper Financial Times, which included him in the “Heroes” category.
The list was released on Friday (5), and includes names such as Puerto Rican singer Bad Bunny and American banker David Solomon, CEO of Goldman Sachs. Morris has been cited as a highlight “at a time when many high courts have succumbed to tyranny and while democratic institutions have shown fragility in the face of populist and far-right leaders.”
The justification for the minister’s choice, citing his role as rapporteur of the STF coup plot that sentenced former President Jair Bolsonaro (PL) to more than 27 years in prison, was written by historian and anthropologist Lilia Schwarz.
“Moraes’ actions in confronting attacks on the electoral system, in dismantling disinformation networks and holding public figures accountable have strengthened in Brazil the collective understanding that the Constitution is not just an ornament,” he wrote.
The historian also considered that centralized decisions and the use of “extraordinary legal tools” created a “tension” between firmness and extravagance.
“In democracies, power must always be subject to balances, even when exercised in the name of protection. Attention to the dangers inherent in the use of such broad powers is part of the democratic practice that Morais helped protect.”
In the “Heroes” category, which included the minister, there were six other people, including American actress and activist Jane Fonda.
According to the newspaper, the list was prepared by the selection of reporters, columnists and editors of the bulletin. The text displaying the names says that those chosen can influence the world for better or worse. “We leave the conclusion to you, readers,” the car says.
The 25 most influential
Creative people
- Cynthia Erivo, British-American actress and singer;
- Jonathan Anderson, Irish designer and creative director of Dior;
- Ryan Coogler, American director and screenwriter;
- Helen Garner, Australian journalist and writer;
- Rosalía, Spanish singer;
- Stephen Graham, English actor;
- Bad Bunny, Puerto Rican singer;
Leaders
- Jensen Huang, Chinese-American businessman and CEO of Nvidia;
- Susie Wells, US political advisor and chief of staff to the Donald Trump administration in the United States of America;
- Safra Katz, Israeli-American executive and CEO of Oracle;
- Blaise Mitrieuli, former English diplomat and head of the British Intelligence Service;
- Stella Li, China Executive, Vice President and CEO of BYD;
- Peter Thiel, German businessman and founder of PayPal;
- Zahran Mamdani, an immigrant from Uganda who obtained US citizenship and was elected mayor of New York City;
- Nigel Farage, British parliamentarian and Brexit campaigner;
- Margarita Simonyan, a Russian journalist and editor-in-chief of the state-owned RT channel;
- David Solomon, American businessman and CEO of Goldman Sachs;
- Michelle Kang, the South Korean businesswoman and president of French football club Lyon;
Heroes
- Margaret Atwood, Canadian writer and author of The Handmaid’s Tale;
- Rory McIlroy, Irish golfer;
- Lotte Berry Knudsen, the Danish scientist who oversaw the development of hormones used to treat diabetes – which were implemented in drugs such as Ozempic and Wegovy;
- Zac Brown, American businessman and CEO of McLaren;
- Jane Fonda, American actress and activist;
- Alexandre de Moraes, Minister of the Federal Supreme Court;
- Ms. Rachel (Rachel Griffin Accurso), an American content creator and early childhood educator.