Photo of the writer: Anna Carolina Romano
Posted: Thu Feb 20, 2025 4:41 am
Public hearings are an important tool for popular participation in government decision-making. Contrary to what many people think, social participation in politics is not limited to voting . Therefore, public hearings are one of the best ways to engage.
This week, the Senate Infrastructure Committee presented a work plan that includes public hearings with eight ministers to discuss their plans for this year. Access the document and see the schedule !
But how do public hearings work in Brazil? What benefits can they bring to society? In this article, we will understand how this instrument can contribute to democracy and to the work of those who work in government relations.
What are public hearings?
Provided for in the 1988 Federal Constitution and regulated by usa mobile database Law 10,527/2001, public hearings have the main objective of allowing citizens to participate in the decision-making process. The meetings are open and promoted by public bodies or civil society entities.
The focus of the discussions is to gather information that can serve as a basis for guiding decisions on topics of collective interest . For this reason, it is common for participants to present documents that add relevant data on the agenda under discussion.
Public hearings are called for a variety of reasons: to discuss the drafting of laws, public works and the implementation of public policies . Another reason for calling meetings is the implementation of major projects that may have an impact on the lives of the population and the environment .
As it is a democratic space, which allows the participation of different segments of society, the contribution of experts is essential for questions on the agenda to be answered.
Furthermore, public hearings can also take place after a public policy has been implemented. In this case, the meeting will serve to monitor the results of what has already been implemented. At this point, good ideas, suggestions and criticisms are essential for assessing the impacts.
How do public hearings work?
In general, public hearings are meetings lasting one day, and are called only by public bodies through a notice , published in Official Gazettes and also in other media.
This week, the Senate Infrastructure Committee presented a work plan that includes public hearings with eight ministers to discuss their plans for this year. Access the document and see the schedule !
But how do public hearings work in Brazil? What benefits can they bring to society? In this article, we will understand how this instrument can contribute to democracy and to the work of those who work in government relations.
What are public hearings?
Provided for in the 1988 Federal Constitution and regulated by usa mobile database Law 10,527/2001, public hearings have the main objective of allowing citizens to participate in the decision-making process. The meetings are open and promoted by public bodies or civil society entities.
The focus of the discussions is to gather information that can serve as a basis for guiding decisions on topics of collective interest . For this reason, it is common for participants to present documents that add relevant data on the agenda under discussion.
Public hearings are called for a variety of reasons: to discuss the drafting of laws, public works and the implementation of public policies . Another reason for calling meetings is the implementation of major projects that may have an impact on the lives of the population and the environment .
As it is a democratic space, which allows the participation of different segments of society, the contribution of experts is essential for questions on the agenda to be answered.
Furthermore, public hearings can also take place after a public policy has been implemented. In this case, the meeting will serve to monitor the results of what has already been implemented. At this point, good ideas, suggestions and criticisms are essential for assessing the impacts.
How do public hearings work?
In general, public hearings are meetings lasting one day, and are called only by public bodies through a notice , published in Official Gazettes and also in other media.