Feb 24 • 15:00 UTC 🇧🇷 Brazil Folha (PT)

Supreme Court corrects its own capital

The Brazilian Supreme Court's recent actions reflect a gradual erosion of the constitutional principle of impersonality in public administration.

The Brazilian Supreme Court (STF) has not reached its current state by coincidence or without the dedicated efforts of its members. Over the years, there has been a meticulous process of undermining one of the constitutional principles that guide public administration: impersonality. This has resulted in ministers behaving more like celebrities, showing a level of arrogance typically associated with lesser-known figures than true stars. Such behavior threatens to overshadow the foundational mandates of Article 37 of the Brazilian Constitution, which emphasizes legality, morality, publicity, and efficiency in public service.

Various controversies involving STF ministers, such as inappropriate conduct and excessive engagement in celebratory and legal gatherings around the world, are well-documented. These incidents have contributed to the growing issue that now transcends individual ministers and points toward a larger institutional problem within the Supreme Court itself. The STF, as the highest representation of the judiciary, is now grappling with the fallout from these behaviors, and the implications are significant for public trust in the judicial system.

The challenges facing the STF are compounded by constant interactions with the executive and legislative branches, which regularly engage with the Court. This interplay further exacerbates the situation, calling into question the Court's objectivity and its foundational principles. The ongoing dialogue among these branches underscores a critical moment for the Brazilian judiciary and highlights the need for a reassessment of conduct among its leaders to restore faith in the judicial system.

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