Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Luis Roberto Barroso announced on Thursday, that he is stepping down from the court, well before his mandatory retirement in 2033.
His decision opens up a new vacancy on the Supreme Court, enabling President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva to appoint a third judge to the 11-member court during his current term.
Barroso, 67, explained his decision during a session of the court, stating, "It's time to move in a new direction. I have no attachment to power and would like to live the rest of my life without the responsibilities of the role."
Barroso was appointed to the Supreme Court by then-President Dilma Rousseff in 2013 and served as the court's president for two years until September 2023. He presided over the court when it sentenced former President Jair Bolsonaro to more than 27 years in prison for attempting to orchestrate a coup after losing the 2022 election. However, Barroso did not participate in the panel that delivered the ruling.
His early departure marks a significant shift in Brazil's judiciary, especially as President Lula gains the opportunity to appoint another judge to the influential court.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment