Brazil Senate Rejects Lula's Supreme Court Pick

0:00It's April 30th, I'm Cory with the story, and this is Global News Today, your AI-powered world briefing. Brazil's Senate just handed President Luiz in Naseo Lula de Silva, a major setback by rejecting his pick for the Supreme Court, Jorge Masias. This marched the first time. In over 130 years, lawmakers have shot down a nominee like this. Masias, Brazil's solicitor general, since 2023, and a key adviser to Lula, fell short with only 34 votes in favor against. 42 knows he needed 41 to pass. Masias got the nod to replace a justice who stepped down last November, leaving the court short-handed at 10 members. This was Lula's third try at filling the spot this term, after earlier approvals in committee, but a secret full-scented vote that went south. Reports say tensions brewed because Senate leaders pushed for a different candidate, and Lula's team didn't rally enough support. Folks are reacting strong on all sides. Masias took a gracefully, saying he fulfilled his role, and life's full of wins and losses.

1:04Senator Flabio Bolsonaro, eyeing his own presidential run, called it a win for the opposition, and a check on the court's moves against lawmakers. Even a Supreme Court justice who knows Masias praised his character, but lamented the lost chance. Analysts point to Lula's rocky ties with Congress since he returned to power, calling this rejection a clear sign of his weakened poll as re-election. Years in October, the nomination dragged with poor coordination, leaving Masias exposed without solid backing. Now Lula has to scout and submit a fresh nominee for the same tough Senate grill. With history echoing back to 1894, this rare Smackdown underscores how even a veteran like him faces real hurdles keeping power in.