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Brazil Senate Rejects Lula's Top Court Nominee, First Since 1894

4/30/2026

Summary

Story summary

Senate rejected President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s Supreme Court nominee Jorge Messias, marking Brazil’s first top-court denial since 1894.
The vote fell short of the required 41 votes, with 34 in favor and 42 against.
Senator Flávio Bolsonaro celebrated, saying it answered the Court’s prosecution of lawmakers, including his father Jair Bolsonaro.
Justice André Mendonça praised Messias as a man of character and said the Court missed an opportunity.

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Story summary

Senate rejected President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s Supreme Court nominee Jorge Messias, marking Brazil’s first top-court denial since 1894.
The vote fell short of the required 41 votes, with 34 in favor and 42 against.
Senator Flávio Bolsonaro celebrated, saying it answered the Court’s prosecution of lawmakers, including his father Jair Bolsonaro.
Justice André Mendonça praised Messias as a man of character and said the Court missed an opportunity.