Operation Car Wash was launched in 2014, just a year after Brazilians took to the streets to protest rising public transportation fares – demonstrations that, because they had no clear political flag behind them, quickly paved the way for a nationwide, generalized sentiment against mainstream politics and corruption.
As the operation began gaining strength, “corruption” was automatically associated with Brazil’s political establishment. And as Car Wash continued to put high-ranking officials behind bars, many believed that Brazil had finally found an antidote to its problems.
But as in politics, there are more things in heaven and earth.
And as the years went by, the Car Wash left a controversial legacy, to say the least, with reports of problems with due process and insider information being given to prosecutors. And one of those prosecutors was Deltan Dallagnol.
Mr. Dallagnol is just one example of the hyper-politicization that followed Car Wash. He even used the fame associated with the operation to later get elected to Congress. But this week, far from his former hero status, he saw the Superior Electoral Court impeach him in a unanimous decision.
The resignation of Mr. Dallagnol as a prosecutor was deemed irregular, as he was set to face at least 15 administrative proceedings that could turn into disciplinary sanctions. And more than ever, his image was tarnished by things that really don’t fit the image of an anti-corruption crusader.
In a way, the fate of the former prosecutor mixes with the course of the operation itself. And sometimes it’s better to err on the side of caution before calling something (or someone) the savior of the nation. After all, things can age like milk.
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