In Europe we try to divide Politics and Judicial appointments.
The French, at least, beg to differ.
But doesn’t Lula know any other lawyer, one that hasn’t been representing him in court, but still one trusts?
None that he’s had such time and experience dealing with, no.
there is actually no conflict in interest
No, of course not. Shy of appointees being chosen blindly or by lottery, they all involve some conflicting interests. No President will appoint a judge who he knows will not support his party’s policies. The entire appointment process is predicated on candidates courting the interests of the party that nominated them.
Lula is countering the other judges, and that is in his interest?
He’s countering a prosecutorial bias within the existing court. As someone who was wrongfully prosecuted and convicted, he’s got a compelling personal interest in doing so. But then so does every other Brazilian living in fear of unjust prosecution. They’ve all got an interest in a court with a larger continent of judges keeping an eye on the rights of defendants.