Participação, crise da democracia e resistência : o lugar do Conselho Nacional de Saúde em defesa do SUS e da democracia

Abstract

The thesis presents the National Health Council (CNS) through its main partners and topics of interest. It provides important insights into how the dialogue between the CNS and its deliberative subsystem has unfolded, including key actors such as the legislative branch and the Public Prosecutor's Office (MP). Overall, discussions on public policies dominate the stage, covering a wide spectrum of subtopics. The issue of health financing and resource allocation is highlighted, particularly in discussions with legislative actors. The promotion of participation appears more frequently in discussions with other subnational councils and with the MP. The overview of actors and topics points to pathways for a more focused and qualified participation by the CNS, as well as strengthening of its democratic governance. Additionally, the thesis discusses the CNS's ability to mobilize different arenas and engage with other actors in defense of the health system, in a dispute that goes beyond strictly health policy arguments. It also examines how the CNS participates in the arenas that make up health policy, defending issues related to pluralism and challenging the neoliberal and neoconservative agenda. The thesis draws on theories of democratic crisis and deliberative democracy. Given the empirical nature of the study on such a broad and complex topic, the historical neo-institutionalist analytical perspective was adopted. Under this approach, the positioning and balance of power of actors around the CNS were analyzed. The findings indicate that, in response to key issues, especially the pandemic, CNS adapted and strengthened its relations with a range of other actors within the participatory and deliberative health system, positioning itself in defense of democratic agendas.