At the ceremony that opened Brazil’s 2026 judicial year on Monday (Feb. 2) at the Supreme Court in Brasília, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva praised the trial for attempted coup d’état that convicted former President Jair Bolsonaro, military personnel, and allied politicians.

Lula stated that he begins the year with renewed confidence and hope because “the institutions have fulfilled their role.”

Notícias relacionadas:

• Supreme Court chief: Democracy faces challenging times.
• Brazil’s Supreme Court convicts over 800 in coup plot cases.

“Hope because Brazil has once again demonstrated that it is much bigger than any coup plotters or traitors to the homeland,” said the president, who also recalled that Brazil suffered external attacks in 2025.

“Brazil responded with dignity, based on international law, with the strength of its institutions and, above all, with the legitimacy conferred by the people. We reaffirm that no nation is built under guardianship, and that Brazilian democracy does not bow to pressure and intimidation from anyone,” he declared.

The Brazilian leader also cited the risks of misinformation for the 2026 elections. He said that operations against wealthy criminals by the Federal Police should continue and that a pact between the three branches of government to combat femicide is expected to be launched next Wednesday (4).

Coup plot

President Lula pointed out that the judiciary has been the guardian of both the Constitution and the popular vote, and denied that the Supreme Court had sought any leading role or assumed powers belonging to other branches.

“By acting in accordance with the law, the justices of the Supreme Court faced all sorts of pressure and even death threats. Even so, they did not shy away from their constitutional commitment,” he noted.

The president added that the criminal prosecution of the coup plot represented a historic milestone in Brazilian democracy, which emerged stronger from the attempted coup led by officials and military personnel from the previous administration.

“The conviction of the coup plotters sent a clear message – those responsible for any future attempt to disrupt democracy will be punished to the full extent of the law,” he stated.