Justice Minister Wellington César Lima e Silva stated that republican institutions are "greater than the sum of their members" and defended respect for them as a condition for overcoming the country's challenges. The statement was made during a ceremony at the Palácio do Planalto.
The speech occurred at a moment of tension at the Supreme Federal Court, although the minister did not make direct reference to the crisis opened at the STF by revelations involving the Master case nor to the developments between ministers Alexandre de Moraes and André Mendonça.
Wellington stated that respect and appreciation for institutions is fundamental in a republican, democratic state governed by the rule of law like Brazil. He said that only "by cultivating and cherishing this conviction" will it be possible to overcome the country's challenges.
The ceremony was attended by authorities from the Justice system, and the minister's speech was interpreted as a message amid the repercussions of the episode that has been causing friction at the court.
