Judicial Conflict in Brazil Intensifies Presidential Race
In Brazil, a public conflict between Supreme Court justices Alexandre de Moraes and André Mendonça has escalated into an institutional crisis ahead of the presidential election in October. The dispute revolves around the case of Banco Master SA, a bank that went bankrupt and is implicated in an investigation into $10 billion in banking fraud.
Dispute over Banco Master
As the Buenos Aires Times reports, on Tuesday Mendonça unsealed private messages that, according to the federal police, former Banco Master owner Daniel Vorcaro had sent to Moraes. Vorcaro was arrested twice.
In response, on Thursday Moraes accused Mendonça of administrative violations, abuse of power and biased actions. According to Moraes, his colleague directed investigators toward specific targets for personal and political motives. Mendonça took charge of the investigation in February after Justice Dias Toffoli recused himself from the case amid scrutiny of his alleged ties to Vorcaro.
Balance of Power in the Court
Mendonça, who was appointed by former President Jair Bolsonaro, has previously repeatedly clashed with Moraes over the limits of the court's powers. He is now seeking a full vote by the court's members on the possible opening of an investigation into Moraes.
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At the same time, Moraes's allies, according to a source familiar with the publication's internal discussions, insist on removing Mendonça from leading the Banco Master case. The same source said that Moraes's supporters consider such a decision practically inevitable.
Supreme Court President Edson Fachin gave both justices, the head of the federal police and the attorney general five days to provide written explanations regarding the unsealed materials. On Friday, he said that he would personally oversee the court's further actions concerning the mutual accusations.
Impact on the Election Campaign
The conflict is increasing tensions ahead of the presidential election, in which incumbent President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, according to polls, is competing with right-wing candidate Flávio Bolsonaro, the eldest son of the former president. A Lula campaign adviser said that the campaign is concerned that the court crisis could strengthen Bolsonaro's position.
Flávio Bolsonaro has already renewed calls for Moraes's impeachment. Next month, Brazilians will also elect a new Senate, the only body empowered to remove Supreme Court justices from office.
