ENTENDIMENTOS SOBRE O FAZER LEGISLATIVO E A INCLUSÃO SOCIAL NA CÂMARA MUNICIPAL DE PORTO ALEGRE

Abstract

The Legislative Branch has, among its attributions, the possibility of creating laws that meet the demands of social inclusion and equity of the population, although a focus is observed on low-complexity proposals. The objective was to describe the perceptions of representatives of the Municipal Chamber of Porto Alegre/RS regarding a pilot service of scientific advice for the evaluation of equity and social inclusion, as well as to explore their perceptions about the legislative process around these themes. Ten semi-structured interviews were conducted, the content of which was subject to thematic analysis. The pilot service was considered acceptable and compatible with the objectives of the Legislative Branch, however there are uncertainties about its feasibility, fidelity of implementation and sustainability. In the interviews, three themes were explored: a) the paradox between the usefulness and viability of an instrument for evaluating the equity of bills; b) the strategies for reconciling the legislative process and electoral interests; and c) the disconnect between bills and the needs of the population. The Institutional and Discursive power formats emerge in the interviews as those that most influence the municipal legislature, where the space seems closed to participation and decision-making still occurs behind the scenes. Future initiatives to promote equity and social inclusion must take into account these characteristics of legislative work, focusing not only on the qualification of bills, but also on other areas of action.