O que fazer para reformar o Senado?

Abstract

How to Reform the Senate? CRISTOVAM BUARQUE M EASURES to confront the current crisis will not be suffi cient without changes in the structure of the Senate. At least 26 measures would be needed to change the way that this House works. Reduction of the Mandate to Four Years An eight-year mandate is long enough for a senator to become quite comfortable between two elections. A senator's mandate should have a maximum period of four years, like the other parliamentarians. Prohibition of More than One Re-election All parliamentarians should have the chance to dispute only one re-election for the same position. In this way, there would be more dynamic renovation and political activity would be more of a function and not a profession. The same should be true for all other elected positions, not only in politics, but also in social entities such as unions, sports clubs, etc. Requirement that a Ssenator who Occupies an Executive Post Resigns from the Senate The current system in which a parliamentarian only takes a leave of absence to occupy an Executive post has ended the independence between the Powers. By nominating parliamentarians to be secretaries or ministers, the Executive is in fact the one who nominates their replacement in parliament, and all are dismissible by the president, governors or mayors whenever they decide. What works for the Central Bank-where to occupy the presidency, the parliamentarian must give up the elected post-should also apply to the ministries.