Alcolumbre Signals Discontent With Lula’s Plan to Tap Jorge Messias for Brazil’s Supreme Court

Overview

• President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva told Senator Rodrigo Pacheco in an off‑agenda Nov. 17 meeting that he intends to nominate Attorney General Jorge Messias to succeed Luís Roberto Barroso on the STF.
• The formal nomination has not yet been sent to the Senate, and senators say the confirmation vote could slip into 2026.
• Senate President Davi Alcolumbre, who had backed Pacheco for the seat, urged patience and said, “If I could, I would make the appointment.”
• Alcolumbre has a track record of slowing confirmations, including holding André Mendonça’s nomination for more than four months when he chaired the Constitution and Justice Committee.
• Pacheco said he respects Lula’s choice and has told allies he plans to leave public life after his term, even as Lula encouraged him to run for governor of Minas Gerais in 2026.