In the mainstream of participatory research, the Brazilian city of Porto Alegre serves as a successful model of participatory local politics. The designation "City of Democracy" shapes the image of this city, which is often examined in connection with the process of participatory budgeting. However, Rogerio R. Mororó presents a very different picture of Porto Alegre. In his analysis, he concludes that while direct citizen participation in Porto Alegre has contributed to greater legitimacy in political decision-making, it has not led to changes in existing power structures, nor has it significantly reduced issues such as stark spatial and social disparities in the local society. This fact, however, is obscured by a democratic myth.