Current Paraguay briefing
Senad seizes more than 420 crack doses and detains woman in Villa Hayes
The National Anti-Drug Secretariat (Senad) seized 62.6 grams of cocaine base, equivalent to more than 420 doses of crack, and detained a 24-year-old woman during an operation at a residence in Remansito, Villa Hayes, identified as a possible site of small-scale drug dealing.
Paraguay raises health alert and steps up fight against smuggling after case in Uruguay
Paraguay raised its health alert, stepped up inspections against the smuggling of poultry and pork products, and proposed a permanent technical working group after avian influenza was detected in domestic birds in Uruguay.
Suspension of Brazilian beef in the EU puts pressure on Paraguay in Chile and the United States
The suspension of Brazilian beef exports to the European Union could redirect Brazil’s supply and increase competition for Paraguay in Chile and the United States, while Mercosur discusses how to divide a potential European quota.
Context
Paraguay Briefing
Short, useful context on the stories shaping Paraguay's politics, markets, and institutions.
MIC launches map integrating Paraguayan data to guide investment and public policy
Senate sends Central Bank 31 questions on Ueno Bank operations and oversight
Yo Creo accuses Public Prosecutor’s Office of trying to keep Miguel Prieto out of the 2028 race
DNIT prepares review of tax benefits; UIP urges caution over regimes such as maquila
Paraguayan teachers to strike on September 17 and 18 over an 8% increase in the 2027 budget
Paraguay’s 2027 budget provides $76.5 million for transport subsidies
Featured
Analysis & Explainers
Background for readers following Paraguay through policy, business risk, diplomacy, and regional affairs.
Artificial intelligence to anchor 3rd Taiwan–Paraguay Technology Forum in Asunción
According to the organizers, the 3rd Taiwan–Paraguay Technology Forum, scheduled for September 11 and 12 at the Central Bank of Paraguay in Asunción, will bring together experts to discuss applications of artificial intelligence in areas including industry, agriculture, health, energy, logistics, finance, cybersecurity and digital government, with free admission upon prior registration.
Paraguay’s industry grows but seeks credit, stable energy and technology to move forward
Paraguay’s manufacturing industry has grown and is seeking long-term credit, stable energy, training and technology to expand investment, jobs and exports.
Police take two opponents to station after teddy-bear protest outside Cartes’s home in Asunción
Pablo Callizo and Sebastián Garay were taken to a police station and released about two hours later after taking part in a teddy-bear protest outside Horacio Cartes’s home in Asunción. The episode drew criticism from opponents and sparked debate over the limits of police action during public demonstrations.
IPS assesses use of Villa Santo Domingo and reviews low returns and property payment defaults
IPS reviewed low returns, payment defaults and legal disputes involving Villa Santo Domingo, Isla de Francia and Cantegrill, considering converting part of the first property into accommodation for medical residents and improving the use of the other properties.
PISA 2025: Paraguay falls in reading and science, ranking 11th among 13 Latin American countries
Paraguay fell in reading and science in PISA 2025 and ranked 11th among 13 Latin American countries. The results fueled debate over the digital administration of the test, screen use and artificial intelligence, and education policies such as the Ñe’ēry program; Minister Luis Ramírez said he would explain the results at a press conference on Friday.
Hugo Javier remains in serious condition in Itauguá as Public Prosecutor’s Office investigates prison fall
Hugo Javier González remains in serious condition and on a ventilator at Itauguá National Hospital after reportedly being found unconscious in his cell bathroom at 11:12 p.m., while the Public Prosecutor’s Office and the Internal Affairs unit investigate the case; there is no footage from inside the area.
Digitalization expands e-commerce, fintech and digital payments in Paraguay
Digitalization, used by about 85% of Paraguay’s population in 2025, is driving e-commerce, fintech, digital wallets, QR payments and online betting, while virtual transactions are expected to exceed 40 million in 2026.
Sections
Economy, Politics, Security, Environment
Key coverage areas with editorial weight, not a flat archive.
Economy
View allLeaving a job in Paraguay: map the final settlement before estimating an amount
In ordinary private employment in Paraguay, the final settlement starts with the reason for termination. Unpaid wages, aguinaldo and vacation are checked separately; an unjustified dismissal can add notice pay and 15 daily wages of indemnity per service year. Ten continuous years trigger a special employment-stability regime.
Politics
View allPeña denies break with Cartes and backs dialogue with doctors ahead of threatened strike
Santiago Peña said there is no break with Horacio Cartes, attributed criticism to the municipal elections, defended clarifications over a request for information from the Central Bank involving Ueno Bank, and called for continued dialogue with doctors threatening a strike on September 21 and 22.
Security & Justice
View allSenad seizes more than 420 crack doses and detains woman in Villa Hayes
The National Anti-Drug Secretariat (Senad) seized 62.6 grams of cocaine base, equivalent to more than 420 doses of crack, and detained a 24-year-old woman during an operation at a residence in Remansito, Villa Hayes, identified as a possible site of small-scale drug dealing.
Agriculture
View allParaguay raises health alert and steps up fight against smuggling after case in Uruguay
Paraguay raised its health alert, stepped up inspections against the smuggling of poultry and pork products, and proposed a permanent technical working group after avian influenza was detected in domestic birds in Uruguay.
Infrastructure & Environment
View allSigned agreement authorizes tourist vehicles between Presidente Franco and Puerto Iguazú
An agreement signed by the municipalities of Presidente Franco and Puerto Iguazú and by Blasa Iguazú and Intercom authorizes tourist vehicles carrying passengers to use the ferry between the cities, subject to authorization from national authorities, to expand tourism and generate jobs and development in the region.
Society & Health
View allDocuments presented by Basilio Núñez’s lawyer support medical degree, but not neurosurgery specialization
Documents presented by Óscar Tuma are offered as evidence that Basilio Núñez graduated in medicine from the Universidad Nacional del Nordeste in Argentina and worked as a medical surgeon in the public health system, but they do not demonstrate his alleged specialization in neurosurgery, which Aníbal Filártiga questioned.
Culture & Sport
View allProposals to strengthen Paraguay’s publishing sector
An opinion article argues for policies to support Paraguayan publishers, including financing, public purchases and more accessible incentives, to reduce production barriers and broaden the circulation of books and knowledge.