Brasil entre o passado e o futuro: o que temos e o que queremos

This article aims to discuss what we miss about the changes in the Brazilian educational system, taking into account the data existing in the last governments (Bolsonaro, Dilma and Lula), specifically about Basic and Higher Education. Methodologically, it is a theoretical essay (bibliographical and documentary research) with a critical analysis approach. The justification for this study is the policies promoted by the current government that provoke, at national and international level, a wide debate in the media and in the scientific communities. In addition to the possibility of reflecting on the context of the pandemic and the insecurities generated by the absence of government actions. The survey identifies that there is no national system that coordinates the responsibilities for Brazilian education. In addition, there is extreme confusion in the current government, lack of public investment, dispute over a political-ideological project, among other factors that make democratic education management in the country impossible.