Minister Guilherme Boulos Launches 'Governo na Rua' to Connect Brazil’s Marginalized Communities with Federal Government
Guilherme Boulos launches 'Governo na Rua' to enhance federal government engagement with marginalized communities across Brazil via in-person and digital platforms.
- • Guilherme Boulos launched 'Governo na Rua' to connect government with marginalized populations nationwide.
- • The initiative uses the 'Brasil Participativo' platform to involve citizens in federal budgeting decisions.
- • Boulos criticized state governors' controversial security actions and emphasized government dialogue.
- • The program focuses on youth engagement and addressing workers' rights, mental health, and gig economy issues.
Key details
On November 8, 2025, Guilherme Boulos, Minister of the Secretariat-General of the Presidency, launched the 'Governo na Rua' initiative in São Paulo’s Capão Redondo neighborhood. This new government program aims to strengthen connections between the federal government and Brazil’s marginalized populations, particularly those in peripheral urban areas, by directly engaging citizens to voice their demands and participate in policymaking.
The initiative will operate nationwide and online through the 'Brasil Participativo' platform, a participatory budget tool allowing citizens to set priorities for federal spending. Boulos highlighted the importance of listening to marginalized groups including delivery workers, young people, and social movements advocating for housing and cultural representation. According to Boulos, President Lula garnered strong support from voters earning less than two minimum wages, underlining the government’s focus on addressing the needs of poorer communities.
Community leaders underscored the value of youth involvement in policy discussions. Guilherme Coelho, a young community leader, emphasized including youth voices in decision-making processes. Bruna Simões Miranda from the Movement Vida Além do Trabalho raised concerns about harsh work conditions such as the 6x1 schedule, which negatively affects workers’ mental health. Gig economy worker representative Elias Pereira Freitas da Silva advocated for the recognition of their rights and inclusion in government dialogue.
In addition, Boulos criticized the security approaches of Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo governors following a police operation resulting in 121 deaths, condemning their tactics as demagogic. While President Lula condemned the operation after a delay, Boulos stressed his government's commitment to addressing crime with courage and renewed dialogue.
The 'Governo na Rua' program will continue activities through May 2026, focusing on amplifying the voices of marginalized communities and strengthening ties with social movements ahead of the 2026 elections. Boulos also announced the upcoming implementation of the 'Reforma Casa Brasil' program, aimed at providing home renovation credit to families earning up to R$ 9,600.
This initiative marks a significant effort by the Lula administration to deepen democratic engagement and respond to the pressing needs of Brazil’s most vulnerable citizens by fostering direct communication and participatory governance.