Justice Minister Sergio Moro resigned from the government this morning, accusing President Jair Bolsonaro of interfering politically in the Federal Police.
Tensions between Mr. Moro and the president reached a breaking point on Thursday, when it was announced that Mr. Bolsonaro intended to fire the Federal Police Chief Marcelo Valeixo.
Having appointed Mr. Valeixo as a trustworthy ally, Sergio Moro revolted against the government’s decision and threatened resignation. Sources heard by The Brazilian Report say that he was temporarily convinced to back down, but saying he would abandon his post if he was not allowed to appoint Mr. Valeixo’s successor.
On Friday morning, the dismissal of Chief Valeixo was made official, and Sergio Moro announced his resignation in a press conference hours later. Mr. Moro said he was “surprised” by the firing of Chief Valeixo. “It was a sign that the president no longer wants me to be the Justice Minister.”
The outgoing Justice Minister went on to accuse the president of political interference in the Federal Police, claiming that Mr. Bolsonaro “wanted a Federal Police Chief he could call, that could give him information on investigation reports.” Said reports are confidential, and requesting access to them is illegal.
Nothing that Mr. Moro said comes as a surprise to those who observe the Bolsonaro administration closely. However, his political weight gives these accusations much more gravity, and could be an entryway to President Bolsonaro’s impeachment.
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