Moraes Uses Federal Police Report to Attack Messias's STF Nomination

Minister Alexandre de Moraes resorted to an officially unsigned Federal Police report to open an inquiry against Minister André Mendonça and, at the same time, recommend the monitoring of Jorge Messias, President Lula's candidate for the Supreme Federal Court. The document, released this week, reignited the political dispute surrounding Messias's nomination.

Federal Police Report as a Political Weapon

The five-page document, prepared by Federal Police intelligence, points to political risk in Messias's potential nomination to the STF and suggests "monitoring and targeted collection" of both Messias and Mendonça. The report lacks the Republic's emblem or a signature, characterizing it as apocryphal, according to O Globo's report.

Moraes's Objective in Opening Investigation Against Mendonça

Moraes used the document to accuse Mendonça of political bias and abuse of power in investigations into the Banco Master and INSS schemes. By launching the investigation, the minister seeks to contain the alliance between Mendonça and Messias, which would have strengthened the group of ministers favorable to the government.

Impact on Jorge Messias's Nomination

The report highlights that the choice of Messias, the Attorney-General of the Union, could heighten the perception of political risk, especially due to his proximity to Mendonça. The document also warns that the nomination could weaken the bloc of ministers who, according to the text, acted “firmly in defense of democracy.”

Reaction from Allies and Opposition

According to Estadão's coverage, Moraes allied with Senate President Davi Alcolumbre and senators such as Flávio Bolsonaro and Rogério Marinho to prevent the nomination. The strategy includes pressuring senators with ongoing cases in the Supreme Court or ties to allies in Congress.

Criticism of Using Unsubstantiated Documents

Folha de S.Paulo reports that the attempt to open an investigation against Mendonça was seen by some within the STF as an attempt to “contaminate” the entire court. The use of an officially unsigned report violates Federal Police doctrine, which prohibits the use of intelligence documents in inquiries.

Outlook for the STF and the Government

With elections approaching, the dispute over Messias's nomination to the STF takes on decisive contours. While Moraes maintains pressure to block the appointment, President Lula continues to defend his choice, creating a deadlock that could influence the composition of the Judiciary in the coming years.

With information from O GLOBO, Estadão, Folha de S.Paulo.