vereador

Vereador, or vereadora, is the title given to a municipal official in Portuguese-speaking countries. In Brazil, a vereadora is a member of the Câmara Municipal, the municipality’s legislative body. In Portugal, and some other countries, the term also refers to members of the municipal executive (the Câmara Municipal) who work under the president of the chamber.

In Brazil, vereadors are elected by proportional representation to represent residents on local matters. They participate in drafting and voting municipal laws, the annual budget, and the supervision of the mayor and municipal agencies. They can propose bills and amendments to the Organic Municipal Law, request information, and oversee public administration. They typically serve four-year terms and may be re-elected, subject to legal eligibility rules and possible restrictions on candidacy.

In Portugal, vereadors are part of the municipal executive alongside the President of the Câmara Municipal. They are appointed to specific portfolios within the administration (such as urban planning, education, or social services) and are responsible for implementing council decisions and managing municipal departments. Their mandate lasts for the duration of the municipal term, usually four years, with the possibility of renewal.

Across Lusophone contexts, the exact powers and procedures associated with the office vary according to national and local law. The term is often translated into English as councilor or alderman, reflecting its role in local governance.