Lula Pauses Messias Nomination, Looks to Gonet Hearing as Senate Barometer

Overview

• The government plans to read Paulo Gonet’s CCJ grilling on Nov. 12—likely centered on Bolsonaro-related cases, including a complaint against Eduardo Bolsonaro—as a proxy for Messias’s viability.
• After returning from COP‑30, Lula signaled irritation and reaffirmed Messias as his choice, even as internal vote counts show significant pushback.
• Senate president Davi Alcolumbre has positioned himself as the Planalto’s go-between, warning that Messias will struggle without swift engagement while denying any quid pro quo for support.
• Leaders from the Centrão have tied goodwill to appointments, pressing for control of the Banco do Nordeste, the Cade presidency and superintendency, and a Caixa vice‑presidency, with PT also poised to cede Serpro.
• A bloc of senators favors Rodrigo Pacheco for the Court, and figures linked to the PL and allied parties are preparing to use a Messias vote to deliver a stinging setback to the government.