This week, we cover a major change at the Supreme Court. Brazil’s most valuable brands. And Jair Bolsonaro re-election prospects.
A big change at Brazil’s Supreme Court
On Thursday, the Brazilian Supreme Court will have a new chief justice in Luiz Fux, who takes over the reins from Justice Dias Toffoli. Brasília correspondent Débora Álvares says Justice Fux is set to take on a less politicized approach to the position than his predecessor, who tried to act as a buffer between the federal government and Congress.
How it works. In Brazil, unlike the U.S., the Chief Justice position is rotative. The leader of the court serves a two-year term and steps down, being replaced by the Associate Justice who has served most time in the court without being Chief Justice.
Why it matters. The Chief Justice has agenda-setting powers, and can decide whether or not to bring to trial cases with major political repercussions. In recent months, the court has clashed with President Jair Bolsonaro on numerous occasions.
- In May, a frustrated Mr. Bolsonaro told aides he was willing to send troops to shut down the court.
Who is Luiz Fux? The first Jewish justice in the history of the...