A REALIZAÇÃO DE DESPESAS NO PODER LEGISLATIVO MUNICIPAL E A RELATIVA CARACTERIZAÇÃO DO INTERESSE PÚBLICO.

This article's main objective is to seek understanding about what types of expenses can be carried out by the Municipal Legislature under the auspices of public interest, using, as a case study, the expenses incurred with parties and get-togethers between councilors and/or employees of the Municipal Chambers. To this end, some public control bodies, scholars and experts were consulted. Starting from the premise that the defense of the public interest is linked to decisions that benefit the largest possible number of people, it could not cover a restricted group, as the situation would not serve the public interest, especially when the expenditure benefits only public agents and political agents. The concept of public interest is controversial. It was not possible to find a safe thesis of what is or is not spending that serves the public interest. Therefore, whether it is included or not will always depend on each case, based on the public authority that has the prerogative to interpret the laws. In the case of Minas Gerais Court of Auditors, it is common ground that expenses for parties, get-togethers and buffets for councilors and/or civil servants do not fall within the Public Interest Principle and are therefore prohibited.