Dear Municipalist,

In the next July, 14th, thousands of mayors, councilors, municipal secretaries, senators, governors, deputies, federal ministries, and even the President of the Republic will be gathered in Brasilia with a common purpose: strengthen the Brazilian municipalist movement. This is the scenario that has been repeated over the last eleven years, in reason of the March to Brasilia in Defense of the Municipalities. .

Organized by the Brazilian National Confederation of Municipalities, the March is the largest space in Brazil for debates about the demands of local governments' administrations. It is an open space for the discussion about issues that have influence on the day-to-day of Municipalities and their citizens, all over the country.

The March gathers a collection of historical moments, earned the respect of Federal Government and this year it comes to its XII edition. Until it could reach the present acknowledgement and conquests, we had to overcome some tough challenges. On the 1998's March, Mayors were welcomed by the Military Police at the Planalto Palace, when they tried to have a session with the President of the Republic. The despair of the federal governors motivated the municipalities to hold the second mayors' march in the next year. Within the major requests, there was the renegotiation of the municipal debts with the Union and the percentage raise of the money transfer to the Municipalities Participation Fund (FPM).

One of the major conquests of last years' March was the consolidation of a raise of 1% on the transfer of the Municipalities Participation Fund (FPM) that gathered breath to municipal finances. The support helped paying the 13th staff salary and other expenses.

For 2009, more demands will be at the agenda, all in benefit of the local development. Among those themes, we highlight Public Health, Education and Finances. The March will also focus on the analysis of the Federative Pact from the effects of the international economic crises.

This is an important opportunity to share information and acquaintance about Brazilian municipalism and to exchange experiences regarding the role of local governments in the development process of local communities.

Municipalist Regards,

Paulo Ziulkoski
Presidente da CNM