New chief justice takes over at Supreme Court
Ricardo Lewandowski will take over from Barbosa at the STF
The president of the Supreme Federal Court (STF), Joaquim Barbosa, attended his last session as a chief justice on Tuesday (July 1st). He said he is leaving the court at peace and with his mind at rest. He had announced his retirement in May after 11 years serving as a justice. Ricardo Lewandowski will take over from him at the STF.
Barbosa dismissed any speculations of pursuing a political career after retirement. “Politics is of no interest to me other than as a subject to study and reflect upon. I'm not really into everyday political business,” he said.
The first black ever to have presided over Brazil's Supreme Court, Barbosa was appointed justice in 2003. In his farewell address, Justice Marco Aurélio acknowledged Barbosa's historical role as the rapporteur in the case that became known as the “mensalão”, judging and sentencing politicians and their accomplices for corruption. Barbosa is aged 59 and would have been allowed to remain in the Court until 2024 when he turns 70 and would have had to retire compulsorily.
Translated by Mayra Borges
Fonte: New Chief Justice takes over at Supreme Court
