Sergio Moro's Resignation from the Bolsonaro Government

By L. Thompson

On Friday the 24th April, ex-judge Sergio Moro, also responsible for the Lava Jato operation, announced his resignation from the Ministery of Justice and leaves the Bolsonaro government after working there for one year and four months. 
The now ex-minister's resignation happened due to the President changing the General Director of the Federal Police, Maurício Valeixo, who was nominated for the job by the ex-minister. The Federal Police is linked to the Ministery of Justice's portfolio, so it is under the Justice Minister's control. 
Moro stated that he was surprised by the dismissal of Valeixo and that the President didn't give a specific reason to dismiss him. In the statement, he also included that Valeixo's resignation was not done on request, as published on the "Diário Oficial," and he didn't sign the resignation. He also states that Bolsonaro had promised a "carte blanche" for him to select and appoint his auxiliaries without interference. 
"I did not sign this decree and at no time did the director of the Federal Police present an official resignation request," he states.  
The ex-minister told Bolsonaro that he was not necessarily opposed to the change of the leader in the Federal Police, as long as the president presented a reason for it. 
"President, I have no problem in exchange for the director, but I need a cause, [like, for example], a serious mistake," said Moro. 
The editor-in-chief of Americas Quarterly, Brian Winter, said Moro’s resignation could have huge implications for Brazil’s leader by losing about 30% of his voters – which some believe could lead to impeachment. 
“I think Moro’s departure will cause a real crisis of conscience for some of Bolsonaro voters who will ask themselves: ‘Is this government really the change that I voted for?’” states Winter.  
Last Thursday, Bolsonaro dismissed his health minister, Luiz Henrique Mandetta, after he disagreed with the President’s coronavirus response. 
Despite there being over 66 thousand cases and 4 thousand deaths in Brazil, Bolsonaro continues to undermine the crisis and diminish social distancing measures. 
We can only wait to see what is in store these next few weeks for the Brazilian people and government. ​