🇧🇷Week of September 28

Supreme Federal Court Justice Luiz Fux overturned a decision by Justice Flávio Dino and ordered social media platforms to remove false posts about Nossa Senhora Aparecida, Brazil's patron saint. The ruling came after Senator Flávio Bolsonaro's defense petitioned Fux to suspend Dino's order. The case involves disinformation linking the CNBB to false claims about the patron saint.1234

The National Conference of Bishops of Brazil (CNBB) published a clarification note about false information involving the institution's name. A CNBB bishop said Senator Flávio Bolsonaro must explain his 'dangerous' decision to declare that 'Brazil belongs to Jesus Christ.' The Public Ministry defended suspending the social media accounts of a public servant over the Nossa Senhora Aparecida case.567

Senator Flávio Bolsonaro's campaign said his statement about Jesus referred to a prayer at the inauguration. Allies of the senator see a disorganized reaction and difficulties in containing the fallout from the Nossa Senhora case, according to O Globo.89

Attributed claim: Coverage of the ruling differed in framing: Poder360 and DW.com reported that Fux overturned Dino's decision and that platforms must remove fake news about the patron saint, while Folha de S.Paulo framed it as Fux contradicting Dino and again ordering the suspension of publications about Nossa Senhora. Brasil Paralelo reported that Flávio Bolsonaro petitioned Fux to try to overturn Dino's decision.11034

Supreme Federal Court (STF) Justice Kassio Nunes Marques has asked Justice Edson Fachin to adjust the court's case distribution rule to create a filter for electoral matters. The request follows a crisis at the STF that has lasted nearly a month and has now reached the Superior Electoral Court (TSE) ahead of the first round of voting. Nunes Marques has warned of a risk of 'capture' of the TSE.123

The TSE president defended the competences of the Electoral Justice system in an official letter sent to the STF. Nunes Marques said that subordinating the TSE to the STF would empty both courts. Before the conflict with the STF, Nunes Marques had overturned TSE decisions.456

Nunes Marques has proposed a rule to the STF to block individual decisions on electoral topics. The proposal is described as a filter against the capture of the TSE. Kassio's circle assesses that Fachin should broaden the filter on distribution for electoral cases.789

Leaked messages show Chamber of Deputies President Hugo Motta discussing a millionaire real estate deal with banker Daniel Vorcaro, of Banco Master. The exchanges also reference a 'sociedade' in the business and a discussion about a bill in the Chamber of Deputies.123

Separate messages show Senate President Davi Alcolumbre's friendship and partnership with Vorcaro, including the greeting 'Sou seu irmão' and Vorcaro's line 'Você é um anjo de luz em nossa vida.'45

Banco Master lent at least R$ 22 million to Hugo Motta's sister-in-law, according to Jornal do Tocantins.6

The disclosures feed a new crisis between the judiciary and the legislature, coming after messages involving Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes and Vorcaro triggered distrust among the justices.72

Ricardo Salles withdrew his candidacy for the Senate representing São Paulo. The decision followed a meeting with São Paulo Governor Tarcísio de Freitas, who did not promise positions but made an overture to the Novo party, according to Terra. Salles had received R$ 4.6 million before abandoning the Senate campaign, O Globo reported.12

Salles's withdrawal came after he received R$ 3 million in public funds, UOL reported. The move drew reactions from other Senate candidates in São Paulo: Marina Silva described it as a 'free-for-all,' and Simone Tebet said her rival 'surrendered to the Centrão,' according to G1. VEJA also covered Tebet's reaction to Salles's exit.345

UOL columnist Sakamoto assessed that Salles's withdrawal is bad for Marina Silva and Simone Tebet. The withdrawal was also reported by Estadão and Gazeta do Povo.678

The Brazilian government has extended the Desenrola Adimplentes program, which allows indebted individuals who are current on their bills to renegotiate debts, until October 26. The extension was announced six days before the election and gives informal workers more time to renegotiate. The program is part of the broader Desenrola Brasil 3.0, which is already in force.1234567

Desenrola Brasil 3.0 involves the government purchasing debts, and analysts say it is not expected to reduce household indebtedness. Analysts also suggest that Desenrola 3 and the prohibition of bets could alleviate delinquency. President Lula announced a new phase of Desenrola with interest discounts on loans, a move seen in the context of the election.18910

The extension of Desenrola Adimplentes was reported by multiple outlets, with CNN Brasil emphasizing the timing six days before the election, while Agência Brasil and Folha de S.Paulo focused on the new deadline of October 26. O Globo noted the extension was for another 30 days, and CBN highlighted that it applies to informal workers. The program's details and the government's purchase of debts were explained by Folha de S.Paulo and Senado.4236715