Senate plenary chamber with empty blue chairs and Brazilian flag projected

The Brazilian Senate plenary chamber, with empty blue chairs and the national flag projected, is the stage for the country's major legislative decisions.

About this subject

The Brazilian Federal Senate plenary chamber is the venue for the house's deliberative sessions. Located in the National Congress in Brasília, the plenary features 81 blue chairs, one for each senator, arranged in a semicircle. The projected Brazilian flag in the background is a recurring element during solemn sessions and important votes. The space is designed to accommodate up to 100 people, including advisors and journalists, and is equipped with electronic voting systems and display panels.

The blue color of the chairs refers to the tradition of the Brazilian Senate, which adopted this shade since the establishment of the republic. The plenary has been the stage for historic moments, such as the impeachment vote of President Dilma Rousseff in 2016 and the approval of the pension reform in 2019. The empty chairs, as in the image, may indicate a time between sessions or a parliamentary recess period.

The Senate is the upper house of the National Congress, composed of representatives from the states and the Federal District, elected for eight-year terms. Sessions in the plenary are broadcast live on TV Senado and the official YouTube channel, allowing the public to follow debates. The site is also open to visitors at specific times, being one of the most popular tourist attractions in Brasília.

The projected national flag in the plenary symbolizes the federative unity and sovereignty of the country. During votes, the electronic panel displays the result in real time, with green and yellow colors indicating favorable and opposing votes. The plenary is equipped with simultaneous interpretation booths for indigenous languages and Brazilian Sign Language (Libras), reinforcing the commitment to inclusion.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many seats are in the Senate plenary?

The plenary has 81 blue chairs, one for each senator, representing the 26 states and the Federal District.

Why are the Senate chairs blue?

The blue color is a tradition since the establishment of the republic, symbolizing the serenity and nobility of legislative work.

Can the Senate plenary be visited?

Yes, the plenary is open to public visitation at specific times, usually during the week, by appointment.