Brazil's Supreme Federal Court (STF) resumed judgment on Friday of its strategic plan for 2026‑2031, a proposal that sets the institution’s priorities for the next five years.
The plan, initially presented by STF President Minister Edson Fachin in March, obtained votes in favor from Fachin himself and ministers Cármen Lúcia, André Mendonça, Luiz Fux, Dias Toffoli and Nunes Marques. The deliberation was suspended after Minister Gilmar Mendes requested a vista, or additional time to review the proposal.
With the vista returned, the case was placed back on the court’s virtual docket for Friday’s session, allowing the remaining justices to cast their votes.
Core objectives
According to Fachin, the strategic plan emphasizes digital transformation, efforts to counter rising judicialization, strengthening institutional security and improving transparency. The goal is to boost public confidence in the court and deliver more effective, accessible and transparent judicial services.
The document outlines concrete actions such as upgrading the court’s electronic case‑management system, expanding online access to rulings and adopting internal controls to safeguard the institution’s independence and physical premises.
Context
The STF, Brazil’s highest court, has faced increasing pressure in recent years as the number of cases brought before it has grown, prompting debates over the court’s role in policymaking. The strategic plan seeks to address those challenges while preserving the court’s constitutional mandate.
The court’s virtual plenary allows justices to submit votes remotely, a procedure adopted during the COVID‑19 pandemic that remains in use for non‑unanimous matters.