The criteria for choosing the next Supreme Court minister, according to Lula

President Lula (Workers' Party) detailed the criteria for selecting the next Supreme Court Justice on Monday, the 13th. The remarks were made during a press conference following his participation in the opening of the FAO World Food Forum in Rome, Italy.

Lula emphasized that the selection of the new member of the Court is the exclusive responsibility of the President of the Republic and that personal factors, such as friendship, will not influence his decision. I don't want a friend, I want a Supreme Court minister whose specific mission will be to uphold the Brazilian Constitution.” , he said. "I want someone, I don't know if they're a woman or a man, I don't know if they're black or white, but, above all, someone who is qualified," he said.

According to Lula, the candidate's profile will be evaluated primarily based on their ability to perform the role of judge independently and technically , not on personal relationships or political affinities.

The PT member also said that, upon returning to Brazil, he will hold internal consultations with members of his government before officially announcing the name that will be submitted to the Senate hearing.

The statement comes just days after the early retirement of Minister Luís Roberto Barroso, announced last Thursday 9th, and sparks the dispute over the succession at the STF.

Among those considered for the position are the Attorney General of the Union Jorge Messias , Senator Rodrigo Pacheco , the Minister of the TCU Bruno Dantas , the Comptroller General of the Union Vinícius Carvalho and the President of the Superior Military Court, Maria Elizabeth Rocha .

The expectation is that the appointment of Barroso's successor will be made quickly , allowing the Senate hearing to take place before the parliamentary recess, without directly influencing the 2026 electoral agenda.