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Justice Alexandre de Moraes Warns of Risks to Democracy, Calls for Institutional Strengthening

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Justice Alexandre de Moraes, rapporteur in the so-called coup plot case, has sounded the alarm on the dangers of "new extremist populism" threatening Brazil's democracy. This ideology, he argued, advances by exploiting social inequalities and exploiting the weaknesses of institutions. Moraes emphasized the importance of strengthening institutions to tackle these root problems and prevent another attempted coup like the one that took place on January 8, 2023.

Key Takeaways:

  • Justice Alexandre de Moraes identified "new extremist populism" as a significant threat to Brazilian democracy, exploiting social inequalities and institutional weaknesses.
  • Moraes argued that institutions must strengthen themselves to tackle these problems and prevent another attempted coup.
  • He highlighted the importance of the 1988 Constitution in ending coup attempts and ensuring autonomy and independence of the Judiciary.
  • Moraes called for changes in the political-electoral system to better represent the population and counter the advance of "extremist populism."
  • He emphasized the need for all Brazilians to do their part in strengthening institutions.
  • Moraes stated that the Constitution sought to rebalance powers, giving the Judiciary the tools to check executive overreach.
  • The event where Moraes spoke turned into a show of solidarity for his work on the STF, with attendees and speakers voicing support.
  • Florian Marques, a justice on Brazil's Superior Electoral Court (TSE), praised Moraes as "loyal, focused, dedicated, and courageous," and addressed the STF justice's three children by their nicknames.
  • Ana Elisa Bechara, vice dean of the University of São Paulo Law School, referred to the STF being on the "eve of an important judgment"—a reference to the case involving former President Jair Bolsonaro.
  • Paulo Sérgio de Oliveira e Costa, São Paulo State Prosecutor-General, condemned U.S. attempts to influence Mr. Bolsonaro's trial and expressed solidarity over attacks against Mr. Moraes's family.

Statistics:

  • The event where Moraes spoke was hosted by the São Paulo Court of Accounts (TCE-SP).
  • The TCE-SP honored Moraes with a special recognition.
  • The U.S. government has imposed sanctions on Bolsonaro supporters, including Gov. Tarcísio de Freitas (Republicanos) and São Paulo Mayor Ricardo Nunes (MDB).
  • A recent pro-Bolsonaro riot in the lower house of Congress received little attention from authorities, while protests against Mr. Moraes and the STF in the streets and on social media were met with swift action.
  • 6 Bolsonaro supporters protested outside the venue where Moraes spoke.

Sources:

  • Byline: Cristiano Aguiar Federal Supreme Court (STF) Justice Alexandre de Moraes on Monday (11) warned that “new extremist populism” poses a risk to democracy and stressed that Brazil faced an attempted coup d’état on January 8, 2023.
  • "Justice Alexandre de Moraes Warns of Risks to Democracy, Calls for Institutional Strengthening," *Justica *2023.

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