Allies of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva have come to defend the nomination of the interim governor of Rio de Janeiro, Ricardo Couto, for the vacancy open on the Supreme Federal Court. The suggestion arose as a way to present a name outside the group closest to the Workers' Party member and associated with the fight against corruption, seeking to represent a political gesture in the face of the crisis installed at the Court.
The assessment of allies is that some response is needed after the release of messages that exposed the close relationship between Daniel Vorcaro, from Banco Master, and Minister Alexandre de Moraes, which generated distrust and institutional wear.
The Supreme Court has had an empty seat since October 2025, when Luís Roberto Barroso announced early retirement and left the Court. Lula initially nominated the head of the Attorney General's Office, Jorge Messias, a close ally, however the name was rejected by the Senate, imposing a historic defeat on the president of the Republic.
The assessment of Lula's close allies is that a gesture from the Workers' Party member is needed at a time of distrust and wear, and the choice of a name associated with the fight against corruption could help rebuild institutional trust.
