Brazil's STF Justice Mendonça Sees No Truce with Federal Police in Lulinha Case; Fachin Seeks to Avert Crisis

Supreme Federal Court (STF) Minister André Mendonça has signaled to his staff that he sees no path toward a truce with the Federal Police concerning the ongoing investigations into businessman Fábio Luiz Lula da Silva, widely known as Lulinha. This stance has heightened tensions and raised concerns within the judiciary.

The situation has particularly worried STF President Edson Fachin, who is actively seeking ways to de-escalate the conflict. Fachin has reportedly told associates that his duty is to protect the institutions and discreetly engage with all parties involved to prevent further escalation.

The dispute centers on differing views regarding the pace and scope of investigations. Mendonça has expressed frustration with the Federal Police's perceived slowness in probing alleged fraud within the National Institute of Social Security (INSS). He suspects an attempt to obstruct investigations that could implicate allies and family members of President Lula, who is running for re-election in 2026.

Conversely, the Federal Police views Mendonça's actions as interference in their operational autonomy. They cite instances where the minister has demanded prior notification of any changes to investigative teams. The corporation maintains that its ongoing investigations into Lulinha and Senator Jaques Wagner demonstrate a lack of political motivation, pointing to the speed with which investigations against allies of former President Jair Bolsonaro were authorized compared to those against Lula's associates.

Efforts to bridge the divide have included meetings between Fachin, Federal Police Director-General Andrei Rodrigues, and Justice Minister Wellington Lima e Silva, described as "hearings to smooth rough edges." However, fears persist that Mendonça might issue drastic decisions that could further fracture the STF, which has already experienced internal divisions. Some worry that Mendonça may be unduly influenced by Federal Police delegates within his office who are critical of Rodrigues' leadership.