Text originally published by O Globo

The Chamber of Deputies approved a bill that amends the Administrative Misconduct Law. Critics of the bill say that the changes “soften” punishments for misconduct. They say that it was approved in a hurry and that its objective is to protect the personal interests of parliamentarians. However, the approved changes are necessary and correct problems arising from the application of current standards.

The bill was widely discussed with society. 14 public hearings were held with the participation of magistrates, members of the Public Ministry, lawyers, members of oversight bodies, public lawyers, professors and association representatives, among others.

To say that the change was approved to benefit parliamentarians is a fallacious argument. They are elected precisely to pass laws. If there is a need to change the law, it can only be through the Legislative. To personify the discussion, saying that it serves to benefit deputy X or party Y, is to evade the debate that matters; the merit of the changes.