Alcolumbre Nominates Pacheco for TCU Seat Vacated by Bruno Dantas

Rodrigo Pacheco could move from Brazil’s Senate to the Federal Court of Accounts after Senate President Davi Alcolumbre nominated him for the seat opened by Bruno Dantas’s early departure.

Alcolumbre told senators and TCU President Vital do Rêgo that he wanted the Senate to vote on Pacheco’s name on Tuesday. If the chamber lacks a quorum, the vote would take place by Wednesday at the latest. He also asked party leaders to sign the nomination, presenting it as a collective choice rather than a decision made solely by the Senate president.

The nomination will go directly to the Senate floor without a hearing. Senate rules waive hearings for candidates chosen by the Senate. Alcolumbre also contacted the president of the Constitution and Justice Committee, Otto Alencar, to discuss the procedure.

Pacheco, a former Senate president, has attracted broad support among senators. Three leaders told the publication they expected one of the largest votes in the institution’s history. MDB leader Eduardo Braga said the seat belonged to his party, but that its caucus would give it up in Pacheco’s favor.

Alencar praised Pacheco as one of the Senate’s strongest presidents and highlighted his defense of the electronic voting system in the 2022 elections and his opposition to the anti-democratic attacks of Jan. 8, 2023.

The nomination follows earlier political speculation around Pacheco. Alcolumbre and some senators wanted President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva to nominate him for the Supreme Federal Court, while Lula chose Jorge Messias instead. Pacheco also declined Lula’s push for him to run for governor of Minas Gerais. A person close to the senator said he was enthusiastic about the TCU prospect, liked the court environment and felt tired of politics.

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Pacheco was one of the greatest and best presidents of the Senate and Congress with whom I have served. A democrat who showed his courage and strength in the 2022 elections, when he defended the integrity of the electronic voting machines, and when he took a strong position against the anti-democratic acts of Jan. 8, 2023.