Romeu Zema, a presidential pre-candidate from the Novo party, has repeatedly criticized the Supreme Federal Court for allegedly protecting President Lula and his allies.
These attacks signal a strategic alignment with right-wing rhetoric as Zema seeks to consolidate support within a conservative base ahead of the 2026 [1] elections. By targeting the nation's highest court, Zema is positioning himself as a challenger to the current judicial status quo.
Zema's criticisms intensified during a series of public events between June 24 [2] and July 21, 2026. During a meeting with the National Confederation of Industry on July 8 [3], Zema said the court lacked impartiality. He later expanded these critiques during events in Brasília and the Baixada Santista region.
A primary point of contention for the former governor is the court's handling of matters involving former President Jair Bolsonaro. Zema said the court has blocked specific actions, including visits and the processing of a letter, while shielding the current administration from similar scrutiny.
On July 14, 2026, Zema defended Bolsonaro and said that a justice of the Supreme Federal Court should not be the one to judge the letter of a convicted person. He continued this line of attack on July 21, 2026, utilizing references to the Bible and the World Cup final to characterize the court's actions.
Despite his alignment with certain conservative causes, Zema has maintained some distance from the Bolsonaro family. On June 24, 2026, he said he did not regret criticizing Flávio Bolsonaro regarding a relationship with Daniel Vorcaro [2].
Zema's platform now explicitly includes the need to challenge the Supreme Federal Court, which he views as a political shield for the current presidency rather than an independent judicial body.
“Romeu Zema, a presidential pre-candidate from the Novo party, has repeatedly criticized the Supreme Federal Court.”
Zema's rhetoric reflects a broader trend in Brazilian politics where the judiciary has become a central battleground for electoral campaigns. By accusing the STF of partisan protectionism, Zema is attempting to bridge the gap between his moderate administrative image and the more aggressive, anti-establishment sentiment of the Novo party's right-wing supporters.
