Brazil institutional and constitutional crisis

Brazil is experiencing a period of significant institutional and constitutional instability, characterized by a breakdown in the relationship between the country’s constituent powers. The Executive branch is described as being captured by specific power projects, while the Legislative branch faces accusations of seizing the republican budget through non-transparent parliamentary amendments. The Judiciary has also come under scrutiny for allegedly assuming absolute tutelage over national affairs.

Recent developments have intensified these tensions. Within the Supreme Federal Court (STF), internal friction has escalated following a request for an investigation into Minister Alexandre de Moraes by colleague André Mendonça. This institutional crisis has prompted public expressions of distress from Minister Cármen Lúcia. These judicial conflicts occur alongside broader concerns regarding the impartiality of the Prosecutor General, investigations involving Banco Master, and the controversial removal of the Federal Police command.

Internal disputes within the STF have reached an unprecedented level of public friction. During a recent session, Minister Gilmar Mendes criticized the handling of investigations and leaks related to the Banco Master scandal and banker Daniel Vorcaro. Mendes characterized Minister André Mendonça’s conduct as a “cowardly” and “vile” attitude due to the inappropriate exposure of ministers and their families. This breakdown in decorum, manifesting through official letters and mutual requests for investigations, has sparked intense debate regarding judicial secrecy, ethics, and the limits of internal investigations within the high court.