Right-Wing Congress in Brazil Takes Aim at Judiciary
Brazil's right-wing coalition aims to remove Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes, who sentenced former leader Bolsonaro to prison.
Allies of far-right former President Jair Bolsonaro, who achieved victory in Brazil's legislative elections, are preparing to remove Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes, who imprisoned the former leader on charges of plotting a coup.
Power Struggle Between Congress and the Supreme Court
Brazil's new Congress is preparing for a major power struggle with the Supreme Court. Allies of far-right former President Jair Bolsonaro have secured victory in the legislative elections.
Plans to Remove the Judge
The victorious right-wing allies aim to remove Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes. Moraes is known as the figure who imprisoned and convicted the former president on charges of plotting a coup.
Presidential Election and Balances
It is stated that if Senator Flavio Bolsonaro, son of former President Bolsonaro, wins the second-round elections to be held on October 25 against incumbent leftist President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, a weakened judiciary would eliminate one of the checks on power.
Obstacles of the Past Period
The Supreme Court had been the biggest obstacle to steps taken during Bolsonaro's 2019-2023 presidency, such as the weakening of environmental protections and the facilitation of gun purchases.
Constitutional Process and Numerical Majority
According to the Brazilian constitution, a two-thirds vote in the 81-member Senate is required to remove Supreme Court justices. Bolsonaro's Liberal Party has won a record number of seats.
Power of the Conservative Coalition
It is stated that the conservative coalition could come quite close to the required 54 seats in the Senate.
Defense of the Supreme Court
Justice Moraes and the Supreme Court, defending their actions as necessary to protect Brazilian laws and democratic institutions, state that the accusations are politically motivated.