Minister Flávio Dino's decision to suspend additional payments for public servants is perceived as a direct message to the president of the Supreme Court, Edson Fachin, highlighting an internal struggle regarding ethical standards within the tribunal.
In a significant move, Minister Flávio Dino of Brazil's Supreme Federal Court (STF) decided to suspend the additional payments, known as 'penduricalhos', that have been awarded to public servants. This decision is interpreted as a clear message to the court's president, Edson Fachin, signaling an internal conflict regarding the ethical direction of the court. Dino's constituents assert that the suspension aims to emphasize that a genuine code of conduct for the judiciary should prioritize the review of these excess salaries, suggesting that other matters, such as regulations for public speaking engagements, are secondary in this context.
Five ministers consulted by Folha believe that the plenary is likely to uphold Dino's ruling, although they may suggest specific provisions to ensure that the oversight on the subject ultimately lies with the National Justice Council (CNJ). The session for the plenary's review is set by Fachin for the 25th and will take place in person. This decision follows a pattern observed in a previous case involving the CNJ's social media guidelines for judges, indicating a broader trend of addressing ethical concerns in Brazil’s judiciary.
As this situation develops, it illustrates the ongoing tensions within the STF concerning financial ethics and the transparency of judges' compensation. The ramifications of this decision could challenge the traditional structures of salary determinations in Brazil's public service sector, potentially reshaping the conversation around judicial conduct and ethical governance in the country.
