Limites e desafios do orçamento participativo: O estudo da experiência de montes claros

Abstract

This dissertation examines the specific experience of Participatory Budgeting in Montes Claros. The main objective was to reflect on the limits and challenges of OP in the region. This democratic innovation successfully inaugurated in Porto Alegre had presented different results in different counties, due to the peculiarities inherent to the localities where they are deployed. Initially, we discuss the main theoretical concepts that deal with democratic theory and participation. We then present an overview of the experience of OP in Brazil. To analyze the characteristics and limitations of implementation of OP in Montes Claros we discuss, among other things, variables such as political interests, associative ability, capacity for investment. The main feature is the traditional local politics fueled by the dominant sectors. However, one limits the continuity of the experience in Montes Claros was the persistence of this trait, observed both in the adjustment of results of electoral purposes, as a major opposition from conservative sectors deepening democracy proposed by the OP. In conclusion, the study shows that the main function of this model is to politicize the municipal management, develop and encourage participatory democratic values in the national political culture. Thus, the study demonstrates that, in despite of the limitations intrinsic to the experience in Montes Claros, it is possible to introduce a proposal for a participatory management.