Sergio Moro, Brazil's Minister of Justice, decided to surrender his post on Friday (24) and leave the Jair Bolsonaro government after the dismissal of the Director-General of the Federal Police, Maurício Valeixo, was published during the night in the government's Official Gazette.
During his official announcement of his resignation from the federal government on Friday (24), the Minister of Justice and Public Security, Sergio Moro, criticized President Jair Bolsonaro's decision to change the leadership of the Federal Police.
Moro said Bolsonaro wanted access to confidential PF intelligence information and reports. "I can't continue here; the working conditions will not allow me." And he said that "he will always be available to serve the country."
"Political nominations are not acceptable." Moro spoke of "breach of a promise made to me on the basis of a carte blanche". "There would be damage to the government's credibility with the law."
Moro said he had a duty to protect the institution of the PF, and he sought an alternative solution to its leadership, which he did not achieve. He praised his role in promoting the autonomy of the Federal Police. He highlighted this feature of the corporation in the governments of ex-presidents Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Dilma Rousseff, both of the PT.
Moro highlighted the autonomy of the PF in the management of the PT, even with "numerous defects" and involvement in corruption. He also brought up Bolsonaro's promise of a "carte blanche" to appoint all advisors, including the Federal Police.
Moro's departure was anticipated by Folha on Thursday (23) when he resigned to Bolsonaro after being informed by the president of the decision to dismiss Valeixo.
The dismissal was published as "on request" in the Official Gazette, with the electronic signatures of Bolsonaro and Moro - which was named after the PF director was subordinate to him.
"I heard from the Official Gazette, I didn't sign that decree," he said. The now ex-minister said it was "offensive" and "he was surprised". "That last act was a signal that the president wants me out of office."
Moro has established himself as the most popular minister in the Bolsonaro government, with higher approval than the president himself, according to Datafolha. A survey conducted in early December 2019 showed that 53% of the population rated the former judge's management at the Ministry of Justice as excellent/good. Another 23% considered it regular, and 21% bad / very bad. Bolsonaro had more modest numbers, with 30% of good/good, 32% of regular, and 36% of bad / very bad.
Translated by Kiratiana Freelon