Happy Monday! A busy year ahead for the Supreme Court as Bolsonaro picks a new justice. House whip scandal continues, and no one wants to replace the under-fire Ricardo Barros.
Bolsonaro to appoint his second Supreme Court justice
Supreme Court Justice Marco AurĂ©lio is stepping down after 31 years on the country’s highest tribunal. He turns 75 today and thus reaches the age of mandatory retirement, giving President Jair Bolsonaro his second Supreme Court appointment.
The pick. Last week, Mr. Bolsonaro said he will choose Solicitor General André Mendonça to fill the vacancy. After building a name for himself over decades working in the federal administration, Mr. Mendonça saw his reputation stained somewhat for his perceived subservience to President Bolsonaro. Critics say he put political allegiances and religion above legal doctrine.
- Mr. Mendonça is a Presbyterian preacher and would be the “extremely Evangelical” appointment Mr. Bolsonaro promised back in 2019.
- The outgoing justice wished his replacement luck, urging him “not to repay [the nomination] with his gavel.”
- Mr. Mendonça is already in full campaign mode, scheduling meetings with senators in order to make his confirmation hearing all but a formality.
Why it matters. The Supreme Court will have a busy...