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President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (PT) officially retired Supreme Federal Court (STF) Minister Ricardo Lewandowski. The measure is part of the procedures for the magistrate’s retirement, which was already announced for April. From now on, President Lula can officially indicate the name that will replace Lewandowski.
Retirement
The minister announced, on 30 March, that he would retire on 11 April, one month before the deadline for him to leave the court. On 11 May, the Minister turns 75, age limit to remain in court.
Replacement
Lewandowski’s replacement at the STF will be Lula’s first nominee in his third term. Until October, the President of the Supreme, Rosa Weber, will also have to retire.
The president’s favorite is lawyer Cristiano Zanin, who acted as his lawyer in the Lava Jato Operation cases. Experts say that the nomination could violate the principle of impersonality. This decision could damage the legitimacy of the court before society. However, Lula seems to be tempted to nominate Zanin despite the risks.
Our Analysis:
The selection of Zanin will motivate the opposition to criticize the Supreme Court, which was consecutively accused of being partial and interfering with the government’s jurisdiction during Jair Bolsonaro’s term. Supporters of the last President also accuse the STF of persecuting them. All this tension contributed to the 8 January attacks, when the court’s building was vandalized.
