“Today’s change of command ceremony is a symbol of constant renewal that moves this Court. This moment represents the ceaseless quest of this House to keep aligned to its time and, therefore, fills us with good expectations”, highlighted Minister Mucio at the opening of the session.

Minister Ana Arraes, always mindful of combating the country’s inequalities, stressed in her speech that the TCU, in the exercise of its constitutional role, has the means to “induce the qualification of policies that promote social and economic inclusion, being capable of promoting a higher quality education, health for everyone, regional development and the necessary infrastructure in order to create prosperity in the various ‘Brazils’ that compose our nation”.

Women

Minister Ana Arraes also celebrated the memory of Élvia Lordello Castello Branco, the first woman to preside over the Court. Minister Élvia took office as president of the House for a year, in 1994.

As a management commitment, Ana Arraes stated that she will increase from 10% to approximately 30% the female participation in top management positions. “Thus, besides making the distribution in strategic positions more equitable, it will also be a way to recognize the talent and technical quality of female public servants for top management roles”, she noted.

"Let us admit, we have been few in positions of authority, not only in this House, but in Public Administration in general, in politics, and in many other courts. I am absolutely convinced that there are many women capable of brilliantly performing these functions, which are so decisive for the public interest. Let us be prepared; let us be willing; let us not be afraid, because we are not lacking in capacity."

Minister Ana will hold the presidency from January 1, 2021 and will be the second woman to occupy this position.