See who is being considered for the STF vacancy after Barroso’s retirement
Minister Luís Roberto Barroso announced this Thursday his early retirement from the Federal Supreme Court (STF). The magistrate had already been showing signs that he would leave the Court, which has already awakened discussions around the succession. The departure was only scheduled for 2033, when Barroso will turn 75.
At public events, Barroso was already showing signs that he could leave the Court.
In addition to Barroso, other ministers anticipated the departure of the STF
Joaquim Barbosa, Nelson Jobim and jurist Ellen Gracie are some of the former ministers who gave up years in the Supreme Court
Find out how a STF minister is chosen — and who decides the vacancy opened by Barroso
President will have another opportunity to appoint minister to the Court; process involves political articulation and hearings in the Senate
— I’ve been here for 12 years and more than three months and I could stay for another eight years. It is very difficult to leave the Supreme Court, which is, for those who like Brazil, have commitments to Brazil, like I do, it is a relevant space. But there are other relevant spaces in Brazilian life, so I am considering all possibilities, including staying — said Barroso this week.
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Behind the scenes, four names emerge as favorites to occupy Barroso’s seat, should he make his departure official.
Jorge Messias
The strongest is that of the Union’s attorney general, Jorge Messias, considered Lula’s trusted man and with a technical and political profile aligned with the government. Messias is 45 years old and, if nominated, could remain on the Court for up to three decades.
Rodrigo Pacheco
Another strong name is that of senator Rodrigo Pacheco (PSD-MG), former president of the Senate and close ally of ministers such as Alexandre de Moraes and Gilmar Mendes. Pacheco is seen as a choice that would please sectors of the Judiciary and Legislature, but Lula is still considering keeping him as a candidate for the government of Minas Gerais in 2026, which could postpone his trip to the STF.
Bruno Dantas
Also on the radar is the minister of the Federal Court of Auditors, Bruno Dantas, who has good political influence and is close to Planalto.
Vinícius Carvalho
Another candidate is the Minister of the Comptroller General of the Union, Vinícius Carvalho, who gained prominence for his work on public integrity issues.
