With the start of the 2025 legislative year, the Brazilian National Congress will swear in the new composition of the Chamber of Deputies and the Federal Senate. The election of the Board of Directors, responsible for conducting legislative and administrative work, is one of the first acts of the new parliamentary cycle.

What is the Board of Directors?

The Board of Directors is the collegiate body that administers and coordinates the activities of the Chamber of Deputies and the Federal Senate. Its composition is defined by internal elections at the beginning of each legislative term, and its members serve a two-year term, with no possibility of reelection within the same legislative period.

Each of the Legislative Houses has its own Board of Directors, whose functions are essential for the conduct of parliamentary work. Below, we explain the positions and their respective responsibilities:

Positions of the Board of Directors and their Functions

1. President

The President of the Chamber of Deputies and the Federal Senate is the highest authority in each legislative house. His/her duties include:

• – Direct legislative and administrative work;
• – Represent the House institutionally;
• – Define the voting agenda and preside over the sessions;
• – Decide on points of order;
• – Enact resolutions and legislative decrees;
• – In the case of the Chamber of Deputies, the president is second in line to the Presidency of the Republic, assuming the position in cases of simultaneous vacancy of the president and vice-president of the Republic.

2. First Vice-Presidents

Each House has a First Vice-President, who is responsible for replacing the President in his absence and assisting him in administrative and legislative functions.

3. Second Vice-Presidents

They act as substitutes in cases of simultaneous absence of the president and first vice president. They can also assume administrative functions delegated by the president.

4. First Secretaries

They are responsible for:

Manage the administrative services of the House;
Supervise the preparation of official documents, such as minutes and correspondence;
Control internal budget execution.

5. Second Secretaries

They support the first secretaries in the administration of the House and can assume their functions in case of absence.

6. Third and Fourth Secretaries

They have auxiliary functions, including organizing formal sessions and distributing legislative documents.

The impact of the new Board of Directors on the 2025 Legislature

With the renewal of the members of the Board of Directors, the National Congress is expected to face political and administrative challenges, such as the modernization of legislative processes, the expansion of transparency and the implementation of priority agendas for the country.

The composition of the Board reflects the balance of power within Parliament and can directly influence the implementation of reforms and agendas of national interest. Thus, the performance of the new legislative leaders will be essential for the progress of parliamentary activities and for the country's governability.