✓ verbatim from the press
President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva told government ministers at a meeting on Wednesday (3) that Attorney General Jorge Messias will still become a Supreme Court justice, according to reports from four aides present. During the closed portion of the meeting at the Planalto Palace, Lula gestured to the head of the Attorney General's Office and said he would still occupy the Supreme Court vacancy. ✓
Press quotes (1)
"O presidente Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (PT) afirmou a ministros do governo em reunião nesta quarta-feira que não tem problemas com o presidente do Senado, Davi Alcolumbre (União Brasil-AP), e que o advogado-geral da União, Jorge Messias, ainda será ministro do Supremo Tribunal Federal (STF), segundo quatro auxiliares do petista."
The statement comes after Messias's historic rejection by the Senate for the vacancy opened by Luís Roberto Barroso's retirement. The government believes Senate President Davi Alcolumbre orchestrated the defeat because he supported Rodrigo Pacheco, his political ally. ✓
Press quotes (1)
"Após o Senado rejeitar a escolha de Jorge Messias ao Supremo Tribunal Federal (STF), indicado pelo presidente Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, um novo nome precisará ser encaminhado à Casa para preencher a vaga aberta com a aposentadoria de Luís Roberto Barroso."
Lula also said at the meeting that he has no problems with Alcolumbre, in a brief comment that was not elaborated upon. The president has already publicly stated he intends to resubmit Messias's name to Congress, but aides assess there is no atmosphere yet for a direct meeting between Lula and the Senate president. ✓
Press quotes (1)
"De acordo com relatos desses participantes, Lula citou Alcolumbre num comentário rápido. Ele teria afirmado que, da parte dele, não existem problemas com o presidente do Senado."
Ministers like José Guimarães and José Múcio, plus Chamber President Hugo Motta and government leader Randolfe Rodrigues, are working to reduce tension between the Planalto and Senate leadership. This was the second ministerial meeting of the year, after the first on March 31 that formalized changes in 18 ministries. ✓
Press quotes (1)
"Nomes como os ministros José Guimarães (Secretaria de Relações Institucionais) e José Múcio (Defesa), além do presidente da Câmara, Hugo Motta (Republicanos-PB), e do líder do governo no Congresso, senador Randolfe Rodrigues (PT-AP), têm atuado para distensionar a relação entre Planalto e a cúpula do Senado."
Covered by only some sources, or where the accounts diverge.
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When does Lula intend to resubmit Messias's name to the Senate?
Why it's still unknown: Presidential aides say they are still evaluating the timing of the submission, awaiting improvement in relations with Alcolumbre.
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What would be the specific strategy to reverse the Senate rejection?
Why it's still unknown: The government has not detailed how it plans to overcome the resistance that led to the historic defeat of the first nomination.
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Are other candidates being considered for the STF vacancy?
Why it's still unknown: Sources do not mention whether the Planalto is evaluating alternative names besides Messias.