Lula's new term opens up to 10 Supreme Court vacancies

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, re-elected on Sunday, will be able to nominate four new Supreme Federal Court (STF) justices and at least six Superior Court of Justice (STJ) ministers by the end of his term in 2030. The STF vacancies include one already open since October 2025 and three mandatory retirements scheduled for 2028, 2029, and 2030. At the STJ, six seats will become vacant by 2029, with one already empty, potentially giving Lula control of seven of the court's 11 STF seats. A possible seventh STJ vacancy depends on a Supreme Court ruling regarding Minister Marco Buzzi, who faces potential removal after disciplinary proceedings. STF nominations require Senate approval, while STJ selections involve court-drawn shortlists.