Judges' foreign trips spark controversy over undisclosed funding

Brazilian jurist Joaquim Falcão's concept of "arrogance of silence" highlights how some leaders avoid explaining themselves to the nation. This silence is particularly evident among magistrates who refuse to disclose who finances their trips abroad, often disguised as scientific exchanges with foreign universities.

These academic events can serve as a cover for tourism, lobbying, and lucrative business for organizers and sponsors. The magistrates often omit who covers the expenses, implying that host institutions foot the bill, including for family members. This lack of transparency was challenged during a Summer Seminar at the University of Coimbra in Portugal, attended by several ministers from Brazil's Superior Court of Justice (STJ).

The event was organized by the Institute for Research and Advanced Legal Studies (Ipeja) and the Association of European Studies of Coimbra (AEEC). Ipeja, a private civil association, has not revealed the sponsors of the seminar. The University of Coimbra stated it does not cover travel or accommodation costs for speakers, while the STJ clarified it only funds trips for official institutional representation.

While one minister's office stated he received no payment, the source of his travel expenses remains unclear. Another minister admitted the Brazilian Bar Association (OAB) paid for his trip to Italy, but the OAB has not provided details about a planned 2025 event in Rome with other high-ranking judges. This "arrogance of silence" is also prevalent in various other judicial and legal institutions across Brazil.

In contrast, Falcão cites the example of Portugal's Constitutional Court. When its members travel for official representation, the court covers only travel, daily allowances, and accommodation. If a minister brings a spouse, the minister must cover the spouse's expenses, a practice that ensures public funds are not misused for personal travel.