This paper analyses the reality of brazilian municipalities, in particular that of Salva dor, in the period of Lidice da Mata's governance, from 1993 to 1996, from the point of view of theoretical and conceptional referencial about local government and autonomy. This article argues that despite political and tax descentralization which ocurred after redemocratization, thousands of municipalities remain financerely dependent on other government leveis and which are suffering restrictions to their political autonomy. However, since the 1988 Constitution, there has been an opening of opportunities for the insertion of local interests in the Nacional Congress, which permitted na increase in sources for local territories. This resources have not been necessarily allocated to the prioritary programmes, defined by the group elected to govern the city. Therefore, this article attempts to deep the discussion about political and local autonomy, identifying factors that influence its impact, through empirical analysis.