Institutionalized corruption
When leaders lack the power to end the distorted system in which we live, let them at least demonstrate through their words and, even more importantly, through their example, that they are not lenient with the crime of embezzlement.
The protests against corruption are thankfully beginning to gain momentum. It's a shame that the objective proposed by the latest one, in Rio de Janeiro, might be misleading: to classify corruption as a heinous crime. Society has been demanding this for some time now, with each surge in crime. But what good is increasing penalties if no one is convicted?
Currently, in addition to corruption as a personal deviation of conduct, we are facing something very serious: little by little, a political system has been built that has corruption as a presupposition and condition for "governability." It is, therefore, institutionalized corruption. It does not absolve offenders of personal guilt, whether or not they use the fraudulently obtained resources for electoral-partisan purposes or for personal enrichment. Frequently, in fact, they use them for both purposes. But it requires corrective measures that address the causes (or pretexts) for the theft: the high cost of electoral campaigns.
Therefore, combating corruption also implies trying to reduce such costs. This is one of the reasons why I strongly support district voting, despite all the difficulties that may exist in its implementation.
But that's not enough: greater control and transparency are needed in public contracts, along with a firm stance of repudiation against dishonest practices. Therefore, when President Dilma reiterates that she will not accept impunity for corruption (even if political circumstances force her to make new, questionable appointments), this is better than the constant attempts to minimize alleged cases of corruption, as former President Lula did and has done again now, lamenting that the recently dismissed ministers did not have a "thick skin" sufficient to withstand societal pressure.
When leaders lack the power to dismantle the distorted system in which we live, they should at least demonstrate through their words and, even more importantly, through their example, that they are not lenient with the crime of embezzlement. This is the least that can be expected of those who hold public office, whether or not they are in office.
* This article was originally published on the Observador Político website.