Corruption damages public trust in government institutions by making people feel that officials are acting for personal gain rather than the public good. This loss of trust can lead to protests, lower citizen engagement, and social unrest. When people perceive that their leaders are corrupt, they lose confidence in the government’s ability to serve them fairly and effectively.
Example:Brazil’s Petrobras Scandal (2014)- In Brazil, a major corruption scandal involving the state oil company Petrobras was exposed. Politicians and company executives were found taking bribes in exchange for awarding contracts at high prices, costing billions of dollars. This scandal, known as Operation Car Wash, revealed deep-rooted corruption within the government and business sectors.

Impact on Public Trust:

1. Loss of Confidence: People felt the government was corrupt and could not be trusted to act fairly or in the best interest of the public.
2.Protests and Unrest: The scandal led to widespread protests, with citizens demanding greater transparency, honesty, and accountability from their leaders.
3. Political Instability : High-ranking officials, including a former president, were implicated, causing significant political chaos and a major shift in public opinion against the ruling party.

This example demonstrates how corruption can severely erode public trust in government, leading to widespread unrest and a strong demand for change and reform.