In political discourse, "public interest" refers to the welfare or well-being of the general population. It implies a collective benefit that transcends individual or special interests, focusing on fostering the common good. Policymakers and politicians often invoke the idea of public interest to justify actions or legislation aimed at improving quality of life, promoting equity, or enhancing social justice. However, defining what constitutes the public interest can be contentious and varies widely among different political ideologies and socio-economic groups, often leading to debates on whose interests are truly represented.