Lula Weighs STF Nominee After Alcolumbre Allies Count 28–31 Votes for Messias

Overview

• Presidential aides say AGU chief Jorge Messias remains Lula’s preferred choice for the Supreme Court vacancy.
• Allies of Senate leader Davi Alcolumbre circulated a vote map suggesting Messias currently has about 28 to 31 certain votes, below the 41 needed.
• The tight reconfirmation of Prosecutor-General Paulo Gonet heightened concerns inside the government about a difficult Senate floor vote.
• Lula intends to resume the selection talks this week before traveling to the BRICS summit, after which he could formalize his pick.
• Messias is expected to seek backing from evangelical congressional leaders and Justice André Mendonça, and any nominee must pass a CCJ hearing and secure 41 plenary votes despite a rare rejection earlier this term.