The article is concerned with the reform of the Brazilian State in the 1990s. Its main objective is to analyze the principles guiding these reforms, with a focus on the principle of decentralization. It undertakes a comparative analysis of agenda-setting, based on conservative and progressive theses. Innovative points and their weaknesses, limitations, and potentialities are considered in analytical terms. It is concluded that the decisive powers should view this movement, which is in favor of decentralization, as a valuable act for public institutions, that is, as an opportunity for consolidating citizenship
welfare state; public sector reform; decentralization; neoliberalism; social-democracy