Sergio Moro confirms resignation as justice minister

Minister of Justice and Public Security Sergio Moro resigned from his post, leaving the administration of President Jair Bolsonaro after nearly 16 months. While announcing his decision, Moro said he was sorry to have to gather journalists and officials amid the pandemic of the novel coronavirus to make his statement, but he said the move was “inevitable and not my option.”

In a 38-minute-long address, Moro said a significant factor behind his decision was the federal government’s decision to fire Maurício Valeixo, director-general of the Federal Police, who had been appointed for the position by Moro himself. The decree with his departure was published in the Official Gazette today (Apr. 24), digitally signed by Jair Bolsonaro and Moro, and reports that Valeixo himself asked to leave the police.

The minister, however, stated that he did not sign the decree, adding that the former director-general of the Federal Police was not considering leaving his post. “It is absolutely untrue that Valeixo wished to leave.” In Moro’s view, the replacement of the director-general without a plausible reason impacts the credibility of more than just the Federal Police.

“The big problem in this move is that this could be a violation of the guarantee given to me when I accepted the invitation to join the government—the guarantee that I was to have carte blanche. Interference in the Federal Police makes an impact on credibility, both mine and that of the government—and also that of the Federal Police, leading to a disorganization that, despite the problems of corruption in previous governments, did not exist in the past,” Moro said.

Moro also noted that he told the president there would be no problem in changing the director of the Federal Police, but argued that this should be linked to the performance of whoever was occupying the post, “or a serious misstep. However, what I saw throughout the period is that his work was well done,” the minister declared.

Moro pointed out that he talked to the president on Thursday (23) about the possibility of changing the head of the Federal Police, mentioning the negative impact that the decision would bring about. “I said it would make an impact on everyone, that it was negative, but, in order to prevent a [political] crisis during the pandemic, I signaled: ‘Mr. President, we should replace Valeixo with someone that represents the continuity of the work,’” the minister said, revealing he went as far as to suggest the name of Federal Police Executive Director Disney Rosseti, a career official.

Moro also said the president favors other names. “He was very open to tell me, once again, that he wanted someone he has personal contact with, someone he could call, collect information, someone he could collect intelligence reports from. This is really not the role of the Federal Police,” Moro stated.

Repercussion

On Thursday (23), shortly after the first reports emerged that Bolsonaro considered replace Valeixo, federal police agencies came to the fore. In a joint note, the National Association of Commissioners of the Federal Police (ADPF) and the National Federation of Commissioners of the Federal Police (Fenadepol) stated that the constant changes in the head of the corporation affect its stability and credibility.

“The problem lies not on the names of whoever is in charge, but rather on the utter lack of predictability in the management and the institutionality in such reshuffling,” the agencies argue. “In the last three years, the Federal Police had three different directors-general. With each change or mention of a replacement, an institutional crisis sets in, which reverberates throughout society, which trusts and supports the work in the fight against organized crime and corruption.”

After Valeixo’s departure was confirmed, the National Association of Federal Criminal Experts (APCF) said it was “surprised” and “concerned.” “It’s alarming that the Executive avails itself of its prerogative to change the head of the Federal Police without showing clear reasons for it. This incident can represent a dangerous precedent and brings about instability for the workings of the police body. The Federal Police is an institution of the state and should continue its mission to fight crime with autonomy and scientific rigor, regardless of circumstances.”