Brazil's Senate rejects nomination of Lula's solicitor general for Supreme Court seat
Brazil's Senate rejected President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva's nomination of Solicitor General Jorge Messias to the Supreme Federal Court in a 42-34 vote, marking the first time in over a century that a Brazilian president has had a top court nominee rejected by Congress. Despite a cross-party lobbying campaign and efforts to align Messias with Brazil's evangelical community, opposition from senators linked to former President Jair Bolsonaro and Senate President Davi Alcolumbre contributed to the defeat. The rejection is seen as influenced by political tensions ahead of the October 2026 general elections, with some lawmakers preferring the next administration to fill the vacancy.
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Brazil's Lula suffers heavy defeat as Senate rejects Supreme Court nomineeSign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inboxBrazil's Attorney-General Jorge Messias attends a hearing at the senate for a vacancy on the Supreme Federal Court (STF), in Brasilia, Brazil April 29, 2026. REUTERS/Jorge SilvaPublished Apr 30, 2026, 06:58 AMUpdated Apr 30, 2026, 08:38 AMListenBRASILIA, April 29 - Brazil's Senate on Wednesday rejected the nomination of Solicitor General Jorge Messias for an open seat on the Supreme Court, making President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva the first leader in more than a century to have a top court nominee rejected by Congress.The chamber rejected Lula's nomination in a 42-34 vote, as backing from at least 41 of Brazil's 81 senators was required.Lula's government in…
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