Brazilian Supreme Court ministers face political pressure

Supreme Court (STF) ministers and lawmakers are negotiating to protect Minister Flávio Dino from potential impeachment offensives projected for 2027. Political actors from the 'centrão' and right-wing factions have identified Alexandre de Moraes as a primary target for impeachment, while Dino is currently not a priority for these groups.

Within the STF, some ministers have signaled to Congress that disagreements regarding judicial votes and decisions do not constitute grounds for removal. This stance aims to prevent impeachment processes from being used as tools of political pressure against the Judiciary. STF President Edson Fachin intends to bring a proposal to the plenary this year to establish rules regarding impeachment, following a December 2025 decision by Gilmar Mendes. That decision requires a two-thirds Senate quorum to open proceedings and stipulates that mere disagreement with judicial merit cannot serve as the basis for a crime of responsibility charge.

Despite these efforts, political tension remains. Senator-elect Bia Kicis stated that Moraes is the first on a list of potential targets, while Senator-elect Domingos Sávio argued that differing opinions are insufficient for removal. Some right-wing politicians also expressed concern that impeaching Dino could inadvertently strengthen his position as a leader for the left.