Gilmar: Moraes’s decision on IOF helps to “reflect and seek political solution”

Lisbon-Federal Supreme Court Minister Gilmar Mendes commented on the decision of colleague Alexandre de Moraes who suspended, on Friday (4), both the presidential decree that raised the IOF aliquot and the complementary bill approved by Congress to overthrow it. Moraes also summoned representatives of the powers for a conciliation hearing, scheduled for July 15.

For Gilmar, the measure can serve as a “breath” in the face of tensions between the powers. “Perhaps this decision of Minister Alexandre helps the parties involved in this conflict to put their heads on the pillow, reflect and try to seek solution in the political field, which is the proper field for this,” the minister said in conversation with journalists at the end of the Lisbon Forum.

Mendes reiterated that the IOF crisis is only the visible face of a greater tension of political coordination, and defended dialogue as a solution to the impasse.

“In fact, we have a fiscal tension, and we may need to make more elaborate buildings,” he said, suggesting that the problem goes beyond the legal dispute over the tax and involves the balance between executive and legislative.

The minister also argued that there is no invasion of jurisdiction by the judiciary, as has been criticized by sectors of Congress, and justified the Supreme’s performance after the attacks of January 8, 2023.

“It was not a walk in the park,” he said, commenting on the scenes of violence during the scam attempt. “It was extremely serious, and therefore also an assertive answer, a firm answer.”

Lisbon Forum Balance

Commenting on the closing of the Lisbon Forum, Gilmar Mendes celebrated the success of the event and stated that this was “perhaps the most perfect edition” of the 13 already held.

The meeting brought together more than 3,000 entries, with the participation of more than 500 speakers, including governors, senators, deputies and international experts.

“It’s a complex engineering, but it demonstrates the general interest in discussions,” said Gilmar. “We saw a real immersion in the debates, with people participating intensely over the three days.”

He also highlighted the growing internationalization of the Forum, with the presence of representatives from the United States, Italy, Germany, Spain and Argentina, and the participation of more than 150 journalists from Brazil and abroad.

Gilmar also played with the event’s informal nickname: “If they want, they can continue to call ‘Gilmarpalooza’.”

The next edition of the event is scheduled for July 2026, with no date set.