Lula: City halls key for federal government’s success

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva said Tuesday (Feb. 11) that the government wants to strengthen its partnership with the country’s city halls so that federal programs can effectively reach citizens. He stressed that no mayor will be discriminated against because of their political party and that policies are made for “the people of the city.”

“We know what city halls are for—they’re the well-known foundation making it possible for the federal government to work, for governors to succeed. Without this foundation we can’t build the strong house we need to build,” he said during the opening of the Meeting of New Mayors, promoted by the federal government in Brasília.

More than 20 thousand mayors and city managers are taking part in the meeting, which aims to bring city halls closer to federal programs, increase local investment, train managers in fundraising, and strengthen the federal pact. The event runs until next Thursday (Feb. 13), with conferences, workshops, and stands presenting various public bodies. Representatives from all ministries will be talking to municipal managers at the venue.

The activities at the event are based on six main pillars: good governance, automated systems, and services; federal government programs and initiatives; climate governance; technical assistance – government transfers; women leaders; and the Brazilian federal pact.