Lobbying and Advocacy in public policy implementation: is it only over when it's over?

Let's imagine that the solution that the interest group you represent has been chosen as the best alternative to address the public problem under debate.

After the decision-making phase is over, everyone breathes a sigh of relief and starts celebrating the victory, right?

Well, unfortunately, it's not quite like that.... 

There are still important phases to monitor, such as the implementation and execution of the public policy. These phases are essential to bring public policy to life and complement each other. 

Implementation refers to the planning and organization of the administrative apparatus and resources (human, financial, material, and technological), that is, it consists of preparation so that public policy can be put into practice by the Executive Branch at the municipal, state, or federal level. 

Execution refers to the set of actions intended to achieve the objectives established by the policy. It means putting into practice the policy, that is, its effective realization. 

Some policies need to be regulated by the executive branch in the form of a law or decree. In this process, the public policy that was carefully articulated by interest groups can be altered, and these changes can make it impossible to achieve the intended objectives.

To prevent harmful changes from happening, it is necessary to closely monitor this entire process and, above all, to lobby.

Direct contact with decision-makers is essential, not only to remind them of the objectives of the public policy and thus ensure that the instruments designed by legislation can be properly put into practice, but also to map interests that may arise or be reshaped after the decision-making process.

In short, when it comes to influencing the public policy cycle, the game is only over when it's over. 

Even because there is an ongoing movement led by the Judicial Branch, starting from the promulgation of the 1988 Constitution that transfers part of the political power to the courts. Such a movement, known as "Judicialization of politics and judicial control of public policies" is a reality and needs to be deeply understood by all those who wish to undertake actions to defend interests and causes. 

In truth, due to the possibility of judicial review, this game never ends....

It is necessary to be vigilant, considering that Institutional and Government Relations actions are long-term.

Until next time!