Brazil Justice Barroso to Leave Supreme Court, Aiding Lula
By Global Leaders Insights Team | Oct 10, 2025
In a surprising turn, Supreme Federal Court Justice Luis Roberto Barroso announced he’s stepping down, opening the door for President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva to appoint a third justice to Brazil’s highest court during his term. Barroso, 67, is leaving years before his required retirement in 2033, saying he’s ready for a new chapter after the court’s intense workload.
Appointed in 2013 by former President Dilma Rousseff, Barroso has been a key figure on the 11-member court.
He recently wrapped up a two-year term as its president, ending last month. His time on the bench included major cases, like the recent ruling that sentenced former President Jair Bolsonaro to over 27 years in prison for plotting a coup after losing the 2022 election.
Barroso sat out that vote, reflecting the court’s deep divisions over Brazil’s rocky political scene.
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“It’s time for something new,” Barroso told his colleagues. “I don’t cling to power and want to live without this role’s burdens.” His exit comes as Brazil’s judges face growing pressure from heated cases on corruption, elections, and more.
For Lula, who returned to power in 2023, this is a golden chance. His two earlier court picks already lean progressive, and a third could push the court toward priorities like environmental protection and indigenous rights—issues at odds with Bolsonaro’s far-right policies.
Legal experts expect a tough Senate confirmation fight, given the court’s role in protecting democracy. “This isn’t just a seat; it’s a shield for Brazil’s future,” said Maria Fernandes, a law professor at the University of São Paulo.
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Barroso, a former Yale scholar, leaves a legacy of thoughtful rulings. As Brazil deals with the fallout of its recent political turmoil, all eyes are on Lula’s next nominee, who’ll face a divided Senate and a nation watching closely.
