Fachin’s Year-End Message Reasserts Judicial Independence, Sets Stage for Conduct Code in 2026

Overview

• The Supreme Court published Edson Fachin’s year-end address on December 31, pledging unwavering loyalty to the Constitution and to the defense of the rule of law, democracy and fundamental rights.
• Fachin said confidence in the judiciary is built through coherent decisions, responsible actions and a standing openness to improvement.
• Signaling next steps, he plans to pursue a ministerial code of conduct in 2026 to clarify participation in private events and lectures after scrutiny over Justice Dias Toffoli’s jet trip in the Banco Master case.
• Presidents of other superior courts back developing guidelines within the CNJ, but resistance persists inside the STF, which is not subject to the council’s authority.
• The message closes a year of intense scrutiny for the Court, including the so-called coup plot case that convicted dozens, among them Jair Bolsonaro.