Lula suffers historic Senate defeat on Supreme Court nominee

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has faced a historic setback in the Brazilian Senate, a development that significantly weakens his political standing just five months before crucial elections. The Senate's rejection of his nominee for the Supreme Court, Jorge Messias, is a rare event, with the last such occurrence dating back to 1894. This outcome underscores the deep divisions and power struggles within Brazil's political landscape.

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cinco meses de desconstrucción

Messias, a close ally of the president and the current Attorney General, failed to secure the necessary 41 votes, garnering only 34 in favor. The right-wing and center-right opposition, which holds a majority in the Senate, reacted with jubilation, chanting "rejected, rejected!" This victory for the opposition highlights their strength and ability to thwart the president's agenda, particularly in the lead-up to the general elections where Lula faces strong contenders, including Senator Flávio Bolsonaro.

The nomination had been contentious since November, with resistance mounting against Messias, even over other potential candidates like former Senate President Rodrigo Pacheco. Lula's administration had attempted to negotiate and build consensus for months, but these efforts proved fruitless. The secret ballot, resulting in 42 votes against and 34 for Messias, surprised many in the political sphere, accustomed to such judicial appointments being largely a formality.

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¡rechazado, rechazado!

This defeat exposes the fragility of the coalition supporting Lula's government in Congress. Senator Flávio Bolsonaro seized on the vote, declaring it the "end" of Lula's government and a testament to his "political viability" and "political support in Congress." Conversely, Senator Randolfe Rodrigues, the government's leader in Congress, suggested the election was influenced by the upcoming electoral process. The Senate's decision also represents a new chapter in the ongoing power dispute between the legislative branch and the Supreme Court since 2023.

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Esto tiene un impacto muy fuerte contra Lula. Es una prueba de la quiebra de su viabilidad política, de la sustentación política de Lula en el Congreso