SECRET BUDGET

THE USE OF THE PUBLIC BUDGET IN A MANNER THAT VIOLATES THE PRINCIPLES OF TRANSPARENCY AND IMPERSONALITY

Abstract

This study aims to define the "secret budget" and examine how it violates the principles of transparency and impersonality. It seeks to evaluate and highlight the murky, immoral, and even unconstitutional aspects of this budgetary mechanism. Specifically, it addresses how the secret budget is embedded within parliamentary amendments, how it is utilized, and how it has led to corruption—such as through price gouging—while also influencing lawmakers to vote in line with the government's wishes. The study analyzes the resulting violations of legal principles, outlines the position of the Supreme Federal Court (STF), and examines the budget's continued use. Employing an exploratory and explanatory research design, the study draws upon books, news reports, and academic articles. The findings indicate a need for further judicial challenges to the practice or, alternatively, for legislation mandating an equitable distribution of funds among all lawmakers, given the conclusion that the secret budget remains in use.