The Supreme Federal Court is divided into two opposing factions in the current institutional crisis that the country is undergoing. Constitutional experts interviewed by the press identify this internal polarization in the court, which reflects broader political tensions in Brazilian society.
Ministers Alexandre de Moraes and André Mendonça appear as leaders of each side of this division. Moraes is pointed to as the reference for a faction more aligned with positions that protect the democratic process, while Mendonça represents the opposite faction, closer to criticisms of what it considers court overreach.
Edson Fachin and Cármen Lúcia are the only ministers who do not align with either of the two factions. Both maintain more independent positions, without joining either Moraes's group or Mendonça's.
The division in the STF occurs at a time of strong tension between the branches of government, with frequent attacks on the court by allies of former president Jair Bolsonaro. The Supreme Court has been the target of criticism for decisions considered controversial by conservative sectors.
