#ChegaDeCorrupção (pronounced “SHEH-gah jee koh-hoop-SOW”) translates to “Enough corruption” and was central to Brazil’s massive 2013 protests (Jornadas de Junho) that brought millions to streets demanding government transparency and anti-corruption measures. The hashtag resurfaced repeatedly during Operation Car Wash investigations (2014-2021) exposing systematic corruption in Brazilian politics and Petrobras.
The 2013 Protests Origin
In June 2013, protests initially against São Paulo bus fare increases evolved into nationwide movement against corruption, poor public services, and government spending on World Cup stadiums while infrastructure crumbled. Over 1.4 million Brazilians protested in 100+ cities on June 20, 2013—Brazil’s largest demonstrations since 1992 Fora Collor protests.
#ChegaDeCorrupção became rallying cry as protesters demanded accountability from President Dilma Rousseff’s government. The hashtag accompanied photos of massive crowds, homemade protest signs, and criticism of politicians’ corruption while ordinary Brazilians struggled with poverty, inadequate healthcare, and failing education.
Operation Car Wash (Lava Jato)
The hashtag resurged during Operation Car Wash (2014-2021), federal investigation uncovering massive corruption scheme at state oil company Petrobras. The scandal involved construction companies bribing politicians and Petrobras executives in exchange for inflated contracts, with over $5 billion in bribes paid.
Judge Sérgio Moro’s investigation led to imprisonment of politicians across party lines, including President Lula da Silva (2018-2019, later overturned). #ChegaDeCorrupção trended with each new arrest, indictment, or revelation. The investigation became polarizing—supporters saw it as justice; critics called it politicized witch hunt.
Political Polarization
The hashtag evolved from non-partisan anti-corruption sentiment (2013) to political weapon. Right-wing groups used it against Workers’ Party (PT), while left-wing activists countered that selective prosecution ignored right-wing corruption. The hashtag’s meaning shifted based on user’s political allegiance.
By 2018 elections, #ChegaDeCorrupção was weaponized in Bolsonaro’s campaign against PT establishment, despite Bolsonaro’s own corruption allegations. The hashtag demonstrates how anti-corruption sentiment can be co-opted for political purposes, losing original grassroots meaning.
Sources: BBC Brazil 2013 protests, The Guardian Operation Car Wash, Human Rights Watch Brazil