Brazil's TCU permits separate pay ceiling for trust‑position officials

The Federal Court of Accounts (TCU) ruled that the constitutional salary cap of R$ 46,300 applies separately to the base salary of legislators, senators and TCU staff and to the remuneration received for trust or commission positions. The decision, supported by a majority of ministers including Vital do Rêgo, follows a representation by the Sindilegis union and allows the combined earnings of such officials to exceed the cap. The TCU estimated the financial impact at about 0.09% of the federal payroll, roughly R$ 211 million per year.

In related developments, the National Justice Corregidor, Minister Mauro Campbell, issued guidelines limiting cash payments for judges' license‑prize benefits, capping conversions so total remuneration does not rise more than 35% above the constitutional ceiling, in line with a recent STF ruling that permits certain indemnities. Additionally, the TCU is set to hear a case seeking a “dual ceiling” mechanism that would further circumvent the salary limit for trust‑position holders.

These measures reflect ongoing adjustments to public‑sector compensation rules in Brazil, aiming to balance legal limits with functional incentives for high‑level officials.