O nepotismo, uma prática medieval, contamina o setor público impossibilitando avaliação de desempenho, promoção justa, compliance e ações modernizadores no setor.

Nepotism directly undermines the merit-based system in public service. Appointing unqualified individuals to critical positions not only reduces the quality of services but also hinders the efficient and effective use of public resources. In environments where nepotism is widespread, employees begin to shape their careers not based on knowledge, experience, or achievement, but rather on personal connections. This disrupts the culture of professional development, diminishes motivation, and increases institutional corruption.

Citizens lose trust in public institutions. When the principle of “no one’s rights shall be violated” is compromised, the sense of belonging to the public sphere and respect for the rule of law also deteriorate. This can threaten the legitimacy of democratic institutions. Nepotism, when it emerges not only at the individual level but also as a systemic issue, can affect the entire structure of the public administration. It creates a vicious cycle when combined with bribery, favoritism, and corruption. This cycle obstructs reforms and hinders institutional development.

The most effective measures against nepotism are transparent, objective, and accountable processes in recruitment, promotion, and duty assignments. Independent oversight mechanisms, merit-based examination systems, and ethics committees can help strengthen this structure.

In conclusion, nepotism is not merely a matter of individual injustice; it is a structural problem that fosters institutional decay and societal distrust. Meritocracy, on the other hand, is a fair system that serves not only individuals but the entire society. Therefore, combating nepotism in public administration is a democratic and ethical imperative.