[REVISION HISTORY]

Internal tensions and procedural changes in Brazil's STF

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2026-10-02 20:55 UTC → 2026-10-02 22:34 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Internal tensions within Brazil’s Supreme Federal Court (STF) have prompted efforts by President Edson Fachin to maintain institutional stability. Following a contentious session on September 15 involving ministers Alexandre de Moraes and André Mendonça, Fachin held individual meetings with justices to request that disagreements be kept out of plenary sessions and that members maintain decorum. Challenges to judicial impartiality have ~~persisted, specifically~~ persisted regarding Minister Flávio Dino. President Fachin recently rejected a request from Senator Flávio Bolsonaro’s defense to remove Dino from presiding over several legal proceedings. The defense filed a motion of suspicion, arguing that Dino’s personal and political ties to President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva could compromise his impartiality in cases that may impact the 2026 presidential elections. These cases include investigations into the alleged use of parliamentary amendments to fund the biopic ‘Dark Horse’ and various electoral matters. Additionally, Dino recently suspended a Superior Electoral Court (TSE) decision that had blocked social media posts concerning Flávio Bolsonaro. To address procedural challenges, Fachin has implemented new judicial distribution rules. A new resolution establishes a screening process for petitions submitted by third parties not originally involved in a case, ensuring requests follow standard distribution rules and the principle of the natural judge to prevent the strategic targeting of specific ministers. Furthermore, Fachin has engaged with the Federal Police regarding the Banco Master investigation. He has requested a formal report on the potential involvement of STF ministers, asserting that investigations must proceed “without exception of person” to ensure institutional integrity. The Federal Police are scheduled to meet with Fachin on October 13 to present a list of ministers mentioned in communications with former banker Daniel Vorcaro. Fachin also issued a statement defending democratic processes and calling for a peaceful voting environment for upcoming elections.

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