A concorrência como instrumento: uma análise em função do princípio da defesa do consumidor

This article analyzes the instrumental nature of competition in the brazilian contemporary context. It verifies the issue considering the need of a dialogue between the principles of free competition and consumer protection. It also checks the legal and historical context of the instrumentalization of competition, the dogmatic aspects concerning consumer protection, the legal and economic concept of consumer and the benefits of competition protection for consumers. The article aims to demonstrate that the protection of the competitive institution is the priority of an antitrust policy oriented towards consumer protection.