Romeu Zema, the governor of Minas Gerais and a likely 2026 presidential contender, has intensified his public feud with Brazil’s Supreme Federal Court (STF). In a recent interview, Zema used a provocative analogy, likening the perceived moral failings within the court to the historical cover-ups of clerical abuse within the Catholic Church. The rhetoric marks a significant sharpening of the governor’s \"outsider\" persona as he positions himself for a national run.
The judiciary's response was swift. Justice Gilmar Mendes has formally requested that Justice Alexandre de Moraes—who oversees several high-profile inquiries into anti-democratic acts—investigate Zema. This follows the governor’s social media activity, including a video satirizing the court. Zema maintains that his stance is not extremist but rather a reflection of public indignation regarding the court’s proximity to controversial financial figures and alleged conflicts of interest.
At the heart of the dispute are allegations of improper relationships between justices and the private sector. Zema specifically cited reports involving Daniel Vorcaro, the owner of the liquidated Banco Master, and legal contracts held by the family members of sitting justices. While the STF has yet to issue a formal rebuttal to Zema’s latest remarks, the confrontation underscores a deepening institutional crisis in Brazil, where the boundaries between judicial oversight and political campaigning are increasingly blurred.
With reporting from InfoMoney.
Source · InfoMoney
