Brazilian Congress Moves to Impeach Supreme Court Justice Over Bolsonaro Case

Brazil’s freshly elected right-wing Congress is gearing up to impeach Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes, the magistrate who oversaw former President Jair Bolsonaro’s imprisonment on coup-plotting charges. Bolsonaro’s supporters, led by his son Flavio Bolsonaro, argue the judge should face removal, citing alleged misconduct and a recent police report linking Moraes to a jailed banker. The Senate, now holding a record 28 seats for Bolsonaro’s Liberal Party and allied blocs, may have enough votes to pursue the impeachment once it convenes in February.

A victory for Flavio Bolsonaro in the upcoming presidential runoff would allow the next administration to appoint several new justices, potentially creating a court dominated by Bolsonaro appointees by 2031. Analysts say such a shift would dramatically tilt Brazil’s balance of power toward the legislative branch and could entrench a right-wing agenda for years. The move underscores a long-standing clash between Brazil’s judiciary and the political right, with implications for environmental, indigenous and digital policies.