With Banco Master in focus, STF starts 2026 under institutional tests
The return of the Federal Supreme Court (STF) from recess, this Monday (2), marks the reopening of an agenda full of cases with strong political, institutional and economic repercussions.
At the center of attention is the progress of investigations involving Banco Master, but the Court must also look into topics such as parliamentary amendments, privileged forum, digital platforms and criminal actions against central figures in national politics.
The case of Banco Master remains the main focus in the short term. There are still pending depositions, requests for breach of confidentiality and questions about decisions taken during the recess.
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The president of the STF, Edson Fachin, indicated that he does not rule out reevaluating orders signed by minister Dias Toffoli, rapporteur of the process.
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In addition to reviewing acts, ministers are discussing the possibility of dismembering the process. The proposal under analysis is to refer most of the investigations to the first instance, keeping only the section involving a federal deputy in the Supreme Court, due to the forum’s prerogative function.
The case also reignited the debate about the adoption of a code of conduct for Court ministers — one of the pillars of the current presidency of the STF — a topic that gained traction after public criticism of the conduct of the investigation.
Other topics
Other sensitive trials should advance in the first quarter. In February, criminal proceedings against Chiquinho Brazão and other defendants accused of involvement in the murder of councilor Marielle Franco are scheduled to be included on the agenda. The investigation phase ended in 2025, and the expectation is that the process will finally enter the trial stage.
In the field of investigations into parliamentary amendments, the STF must judge, in March, actions against deputies Josimar Maranhãozinho (PL-MA) and Pastor Gil (PL-MA), in addition to substitute Bosco Costa (PL-SE).
They are accused of being part of a scheme to embezzle public resources. The advancement of these processes is closely monitored by Congress and the market, given the institutional impact of the issue on the relationship between the Powers.
The discussion about the limits of the privileged forum also returns to the plenary’s radar, especially if the prerogative extends to authorities who have already left their positions. The judgment of appeals on the topic can redefine relevant parameters for ongoing and future criminal actions.
Another sensitive point is the debate about the employment relationship between drivers and delivery people and digital platforms, the so-called “uberization”.
In the criminal field, the STF must also advance the case against Eduardo Bolsonaro. In November, the First Panel accepted the PGR’s complaint and made the former parliamentarian a defendant for coercion, due to his activities in the United States.
At the same time, the Attorney General’s Office is close to concluding the investigation investigating Jair Bolsonaro in the case of the sale of Saudi jewelry, which could result in new criminal action to be analyzed by the Court.
