ADVANCES AND SETBACKS IN THE FIGHT AGAINST CORRUPTION: BOLSONARO GOVERNMENTS (2019-2022) AND LULA'S FIRST TWO YEARS (2023-2024)

Abstract

This paper comparatively analyzes the advances and setbacks in the performance of anti-corruption and oversight institutions during the administrations of Jair Bolsonaro (2019-2022) and Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (2023-2024, ongoing). The central question is to understand how political decision-making regarding legislative reforms, strategic appointments, and narrative disputes affected the autonomy, effectiveness, and transparency of the main oversight bodies, such as the Comptroller General's Office (CGU), the Federal Court of Auditors (TCU), the Federal Public Prosecutor's Office (MPF), and the Federal Police (PF). The research seeks to identify patterns of institutional strengthening or weakening, observing their impacts on public accountability mechanisms and the functioning of Brazilian democratic institutions. Special attention is given to the political instrumentalization of corruption and how its definition and combat become objects of dispute in contexts of polarization and institutional crisis.