Why did a Supreme Court minister summon the Justice Minister?

STF Justice André Mendonça called in Justice Minister Wellington César Lima e Silva on Thursday (August 6) to demand that the Federal Police (PF) be allowed to operate independently in its ongoing investigations. The meeting was brokered by the Attorney General of the Union, Jorge Messias.

What investigations are at the center of the dispute?

Two major probes are fueling the tension: Operation Sem Desconto, targeting alleged fraud at the INSS (Brazil's national social security institute), and Operation Compliance Zero, focused on Banco Master. Both cases are reported by Mendonça at the STF. The situation became particularly sensitive after the lead investigator on the INSS fraud case was replaced shortly after the probe began touching on Fábio Luís Lula da Silva — known as Lulinha — the president's son.

What did each side agree to?

Lima e Silva assured Mendonça that all investigations will proceed with complete autonomy and that the federal government has acted without selectivity. Both sides acknowledged the need to improve workflow between the STF, the Ministry of Justice, and the PF, and agreed to hold regular alignment meetings going forward.

What are the underlying tensions?

Mendonça's camp is uneasy about the closeness between PF Director-General Andrei Rodrigues and President Lula. The PF, for its part, views some of Mendonça's recent orders — such as requiring the agency to send all investigative documents in the INSS probe to the court, and restricting the sharing of classified information on the Master case even with the PF director — as interference in police work. The PF even contacted the Attorney General's office to challenge those measures. On the same day as the meeting, all 27 PF regional superintendents published a statement of support for Director Rodrigues.

What happens next?

Three new inquiries involving Lulinha, opened after the investigator change, are now before the STF under seal — two with Mendonça and one with Justice Flávio Dino. Periodic coordination meetings between the STF, ministry, and PF are planned. Observers from both sides described Thursday's meeting as productive and as a step toward easing institutional tensions.

Key Facts:
  • Meeting held on August 6, brokered by Attorney General Jorge Messias.
  • Mendonça demanded guaranteed PF independence in active investigations.
  • Cases at stake: INSS fraud (Op. Sem Desconto) and Banco Master (Op. Compliance Zero).
  • Lead INSS investigator was replaced after probe reached Lulinha, President Lula's son.
  • 3 new sealed inquiries on Lulinha sent to the STF; 2 with Mendonça, 1 with Dino.
  • All 27 PF regional superintendents backed Director Rodrigues publicly.
  • Both sides agreed to regular coordination meetings going forward.