From Foreign Policy · Bruna Santos · · 3m
Brazil Election Scandal Threatens Supreme Court
Brazil’s Supreme Court faces investigation over corruption links to presidential candidate Flávio Bolsonaro.
In brief
Brazil’s Supreme Court faces investigation over corruption links to presidential candidate Flávio Bolsonaro. Brazil’s Supreme Court is under investigation for alleged ties to banker Daniel Vorcaro, potentially affecting the presidential runoff between Lula and Bolsonaro. Originally reported by Foreign Policy.
Brazilian Election Results
Brazilians voted in the first round of the presidential election on Oct. 4, sending Sen. Flávio Bolsonaro, the eldest son of former President Jair Bolsonaro, and President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva to a runoff.
Supreme Court Investigation
On Sept. 15, Chief Justice Edson Fachin convened a session to decide whether Justice Alexandre de Moraes should be investigated by the Federal Police.
Banco Master Collapse
Banco Master, a midsize Brazilian lender, collapsed last year after holding only 0.57 percent of Brazil’s banking assets.
Corruption Probe Details
Federal Police investigate whether Moraes improperly assisted Master’s controlling shareholder, Daniel Vorcaro, and linked legal services contracts.
Moraes’ Denial
Moraes denies wrongdoing and has not been charged with a crime despite the Federal Police’s probe.
Senate Power Dynamics
Brazil’s Senate confirms and can remove Supreme Court justices, with right-wing parties expected to hold at least 45 of 81 Senate seats.
Flávio Bolsonaro’s Campaign
Flávio has campaigned on the perceived link between Lula and Moraes, saying, 'Anyone voting for Lula is voting for Alexandre de Moraes.'
“Anyone voting for Lula is voting for Alexandre de Moraes.”
Lula’s Position
Lula has demanded an investigation of everyone implicated in the Master scandal, 'no matter who it hurts.'
“no matter who it hurts”
Dark Horse Film Connection
Records trace about $12.3 million from a Vorcaro-linked company to a Texas fund managing Flávio’s film 'Dark Horse.'
Senate Impeachment Threat
Jair Bolsonaro picked allies to build a majority capable of impeaching Supreme Court justices, requiring 54 votes in the Senate.
Court’s Structural Issue
The Supreme Court has been criticized for 'ministrocracia', rule by individual justices, accounting for 80 percent of decisions.
“ministrocracia”
Moraes’ Legal Services Contract
Banco Master signed a $25.7 million legal services agreement with a law firm where Moraes’s wife is partner.
Senate’s Role in Court
The Senate will decide the Supreme Court’s future, with one seat empty since April after Lula’s nominee was rejected.
Public Opinion on Court
A survey found 76 percent of Brazilians think Supreme Court justices have too much power.
Moraes’ Investigation Timeline
The Moraes investigation clock runs until mid-December, after the presidential runoff on Oct. 25.
Next Steps
The next president will appoint four Supreme Court justices, with Moraes’ investigation due in December.
The main idea
Brazil’s Supreme Court is under investigation for alleged ties to banker Daniel Vorcaro, potentially affecting the presidential runoff between Lula and Bolsonaro.
