Ficha Limpa Law between morality discourse and the congressists interests: an analysis of Complementary Law no. L35/2010 promulgation f'rom the racional choice theory

Abstract

Called a popular initiative, the so-called "Ficha Limpa Law" - Complementary Law no. 135/2010 - substantially increased the system of ineligibility already existing in Complementary Law No. 64/1990. Going beyond the discussion about the constitutionality of the diploma, the article aims to analyze the process of its approval in tbe National Congress based on the theory of rational choice applied to Political Science, in order to understand the behavior and interests of the political actors involved. Through a methodology that sought a bibliographic review of the doctrine specialized in tbe theme, as well as news from the press about the subject at the time of the facts, a study of thís process is made through the lens of rational institutionalism, it is observed that, despite being founded on the discourse of morality and the common good, the approval of the Ficha Limpa resulted, in fact, from the strong popular and media appeal that occurred in a period marked by severa! corruption events. As a result, considering that the purpose of re-election modulates parlíamentary conduct, it is observed that the LFL was quickly approved without profound changes mainly due to the satisfaction of the personal political interests of the congressmen.