President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva is considering the appointment of Rio de Janeiro’s interim governor, Ricardo Couto, to an open seat on the Supreme Court (STF), according to reports initially published by CNN Brasil and confirmed by Poder360. Lula has built a positive working relationship with Couto in recent months and publicly praised his administration, which stands out for its technical profile and distance from past corruption scandals involving former state governors.
Background on the Supreme Court Vacancy and Senate Resistance
The consideration of Couto comes as the administration seeks to break resistance following the Senate’s rejection of Jorge Messias on April 29, according to the sources. Messias, the attorney-general of the union, received 42 votes against and 34 in favor—falling short of the 41 votes needed for approval. This marked the first time in 132 years that the Senate rejected a presidential nomination to the Supreme Court.
Unlike previous nominees chosen by Lula, such as Flávio Dino, Cristiano Zanin, and Messias, Couto did not share a prior personal relationship with the president. Lula had initially considered renominating Messias, arguing that the choice is a presidential prerogative, but recognized that doing so would heighten tensions with the Senate and its president, Davi Alcolumbre (União Brasil-AP), as reported.
Did You Know? The Senate’s April 29 rejection of Jorge Messias marked the first time in 132 years that the Brazilian Senate turned down a presidential appointment to the nation’s highest court.
Statements on the Banco Master Investigation and Government Funds
On 5ª feira (3.set.2026), Lula recorded a video statement regarding the Banco Master case, defending investigations that proceed “doa a quem doer”. While the president did not name specific authorities, his campaign team used qualitative research to shape a response to political fallout surrounding text messages between Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes and Daniel Vorcaro, founder of Banco Master, as detailed in the reports.
Political opponents have sought to link Lula to Moraes, a premise rejected by the president’s campaign team. On Nesta 6ª feira (4.set) Lula stated that “ninguém, em nome da democracia, pode usar o cargo que tem em benefício pessoal. Todo mundo tem que estar subordinado aos mesmos trâmites”. Lula made these remarks during a ceremony to sanction laws 1.881 de 2025 and 429 de 2024, which establish special funds allowing the Federal Justice and the Federal Public Ministry to spend above statutory caps.
Attendees at the Friday ceremony included Edson Fachin, president of the STF; Paulo Gonet, prosecutor-general of the republic; and Andrei Rodrigues, director-general of the Federal Police. Both Gonet and Rodrigues were mentioned in the message exchanges between Moraes and Vorcaro.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Ricardo Couto?
Ricardo Couto is the interim governor and a technical administrator in Rio de Janeiro who has drawn positive administrative evaluations and praise from President Lula.
Why is Jorge Messias not filling the Supreme Court seat?
The Senate rejected Messias’s nomination on April 29 by a vote of 42 to 34, marking the first time in 132 years that the chamber turned down a presidential pick for the high court.
What did Lula say regarding the Banco Master case?
Lula stated in a video on 3.set.2026 that investigations should proceed “doa a quem doer”, and followed up on 4.set by emphasizing that no official may use their position for personal benefit.
What steps do you think the Senate will take if the executive branch formally submits a new nomination from outside traditional political circles?
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