In January, Judge Ibanez Monteiro, who serves as the president of the Court of Justice of Rio Grande do Norte (TJRN), received an extraordinary salary that set him apart from his peers across Brazil. His gross pay amounted to R$ 384,954.59, though after deductions of about R$ 30,000, his net income was around R$ 354,558.65. This figure is markedly higher than the constitutional cap for public servants in Brazil, which is just R$ 46,3 thousand—what Supreme Court ministers earn.

The breakdown of Monteiro’s earnings indicates that his official salary as a judge was R$ 41,845.49, with the remainder coming from additional personal rights, event rights, and compensations that contribute to his inflated total. Such figures raise questions about wage disparity within Brazil’s public servant framework and highlight ongoing debates about judicial compensation in relation to constitutional norms.

The reporting organization, G1, accessed the data from the National Justice Council, showcasing ongoing transparency efforts in public sector finances. The disparity between Monteiro's earnings and the typical cap for public officials is likely to provoke discussions on inequality and the perception of justice in Brazil, especially as many citizens struggle with economic issues. The report ensured that these details came to public attention, fostering greater scrutiny of judicial remuneration practices.