The collapse of a Brazilian bank ensnares politicians and judges
Economist2 days
Brazil Supreme Court to Discuss Ethics Code as Justices Embroiled in Multibillion-Dollar Scandal
Does Brazil's Supreme Court need ethical reform or are center-right politicians the real protection racket?
Above: Brazil's Chief Justice Edson Fachin presides over opening ceremony of the judicial year on Feb. 2, 2026. Image credit: Sergio Lima/AFP/Getty Images
The Spin
Right narrative
Ethical guardrails are urgently needed in Brazil, where it has been common for justices and their relatives to accept payments from litigants and maintain close ties with their lawyers. Germany and the U.S. established ethics codes after similar crises exposed judicial misconduct. Now, Brazil's Supreme Court must follow suit with transparent rules on gifts, payments and conflicts of interest to restore public trust.
Left narrative
While some interactions between Banco Master and figures linked to the Supreme Court and the Brazilian government have raised concerns, there is no evidence of illegality despite media attention. By contrast, center-right politicians such as Ciro Nogueira and Ibaneis Rocha have openly mobilized political power to push for a state-backed bailout that would shield the bank and socialize private losses.
Public Figures
Political split
LEFT
RIGHT
© 2026 Improve the News Foundation. All rights reserved.Version 6.18.0
© 2026 Improve the News Foundation.
All rights reserved.
Version 6.18.0