Government Corruption

A Common Grievance: Poor and Middle Class Protestors Unite in Opposition to Government Corruption

Packing the streets of São Paulo, Brazilian demonstrators stand enraged, full of emotions and fed up with the corruption that has plagued their government for the past decade or so.  Citizens have taken to the streets to protest against their government, a government whose legitimacy and honor have been tainted by the embezzlement, conspiracy and greed of those in power.

Numerous government officials under former government President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva were found to be involved in one of the largest corruption cases in the history of Brazil. In 2005, the scandal was brought to light as some of Silva’s top politicians had been found laundering money and paying off members of the Brazilian congress for their legislative support.[1] Other politicians include Mr. Jose Dirceu, José Genoino (Working Party President) and Delúbio Soares (Working Party Treasurer). This scandal is known as the Mensalão Scheme [2](big monthly stipend) to the public and these officials along with around 20 more were arrested and found guilty of charges including embezzlement, conspiracy, money laundering,

            Though all of these politicians were found guilty, with charges warranting between 5 and 15 years in jail, the Brazilian legal system is “loophole-ridden”, as those involved have found ways to cheat the justice system. Bound by the legal processes in Brazil, lawmakers are only tried in the higher, Supreme Court, which coincidently allows for appeals to be made. 12 of the 25 successfully appealed their chargers of money laundering and conspiracy and were thus able to shave off years on their sentencing.[3] Few, like Henrique Pizzolato, former director of the state controlled Bank of Brazil fled to foreign lands to find refuge, free from extradition. Thus, many of these top officials were able to evade the hands of justice despite being involved in the largest political scandal in the country’s history.

            It is estimated that close to $43 million dollars was taken from public funds to pay off legislators as well as election debts. These millions of dollars of tax payers’ money were misused by those in higher positions and consequently, these funds were stolen from the people to finance political agendas; funds that could have been otherwise allocated to rebuild weak infrastructure, revamp the education systems in Brazil, or perhaps invested in its deficient public health system. Along with the money diverted from these public funds, the government has been overly invested in preparing for the upcoming World Cup and 2016 Olympics, neglecting its domestic problems and economic disparities.

            Based on consensus, a vast majority of citizens of Brazil have rightfully lost confidence in their government, demonstrated by the overwhelming support of the political protests and demonstrations. According to international media polls, close to 75% of citizens support these demonstrations: a testament to action that these citizens are ready to take to see a change in their government.[4] As opposition of the government increases (riots and protestors accruing around a million participants), the Brazilian government will need to tread careful in its near future in order to assuage the demands of justice, equality and change from the masses. The Brazilian people are standing up for more than civil liberties and judicial integrity; they are demanding a change be made in the relationship between the government and the people. Forbes journalist Anderson Atunes contends that in order to tackle this governmental problem, “changes in [Brazil’s] political system [need to be made] and more transparency in what concerns all funds raised in order to promote candidates, political parties, or policies in elections, reforms in the judicial system and in the way of functioning of the machinery of the state, in the fiscal system and an increase in control of public expenditure.”[5]With the FIFA  World Cup right around the corner, the Brazilian government has its own domestic goals to pursue.

References:

 http://search.proquest.com/docview/190462221

http://www.forbes.com/sites/andersonantunes/2013/11/28/the-cost-of-corruption-in-brazil-could-be-up-to-53-billion-just-this-year-alone/

http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2013/06/22/brazil-thousands-protest-anew-but-crowds-smaller/2449229/

http://www.economist.com/news/americas/21590560-landmark-justice-jailed-last

  [1] "Former Aide to Brazilian President to Face Corruption Charges." Voice of 

     America News. Federal Information & News Dispatch, Inc., 28 Aug. 2007. Web.
     13 Jan. 2014. <http://search.proquest.com/docview/
     190462221?accountid=13314>.

[2] Brooks, Bradely. "Brazil: 250K protest against government corruption."
     Associated Press. N.p., 23 June 2013. Web. 13 Jan. 2014.
     <http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2013/06/22/
     brazil-thousands-protest-anew-but-crowds-smaller/2449229/>.

[3] "Corruption in Brazil: Jailed at Last." The Economist. Economist Newspaper, 23
     Nov. 2013. Web. 13 Jan. 2014. <http://www.economist.com/news/americas/
     21590560-landmark-justice-jailed-last>.

[4] Brooks, Bradely. "Brazil: 250K protest against government corruption."
     Associated Press.

[5] Atunes, Anderson. "The Cost Of Corruption In Brazil Could Be Up To $53 Billion
     Just This Year Alone." Forbes. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Jan. 2014.