Senate plenary chamber with empty blue chairs and Brazilian flag projected

Brazilian Federal Senate plenary chamber displays empty blue chairs and projected national flag during a morning session.

About this subject

The Senate Plenary Chamber, located in the National Congress Palace in Brasília, is the main deliberative space for Brazilian senators. With capacity for 81 blue chairs, one for each senator, the environment reflects the country's political organization. The projected national flag in the background symbolizes the unity of the federation, while the empty chairs indicate that the session has not yet started or is in recess. The Senate, as the reviewing house, plays a crucial role in approving laws and overseeing the Executive. Morning sessions are common for voting on legislative proposals, and the plenary has been the stage for historic debates, such as the redemocratization in 1985 and the impeachment in 2016. The plenary's architecture, designed by Oscar Niemeyer, is part of the modernist ensemble of Brasília, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1987. The blue chairs, arranged in a semicircle, follow the model of the British parliament, but with Brazilian adaptations. The flag projection is done by a scenic lighting system, used to highlight national symbols during solemn events.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many chairs are in the Senate Plenary?

There are 81 blue chairs, one for each senator, representing the 26 states and the Federal District.

Why is the Brazilian flag projected in the plenary?

The flag projection is a visual resource used in solemn sessions to reinforce national symbolism, especially during votes on important issues.

Who designed the Senate Plenary?

Architect Oscar Niemeyer designed the National Congress Palace, including the Senate Plenary, as part of Brasília's modernist architectural ensemble.