Paraguay's Chamber of Deputies approved on Tuesday a series of information requests directed at the Institute of Social Welfare (IPS), focusing on five questioned tenders totaling about 391.5 billion guaranis (approximately US$63 million). The initiative was presented by independent deputy Raúl Benítez.
During the session, lawmakers from different caucuses criticized the previous IPS administration, led by Jorge Brítez, who resigned in April 2026. Deputy Walter García (Yo Creo) questioned how Brítez's personal wealth grew while the IPS's financial situation deteriorated. “I want to know if he will be rewarded in some other state institution or will go free, without penalty or guilt, at home, enjoying a large fortune,” he said.
Deputy Carlos Pereira (PLRA, Nuevo Liberalismo) praised the change in the IPS presidency but demanded concrete results from the current head, Isaías Fretes. “He is quite media-savvy, likes what he says, what he denounces, but so far it remains in the media. I hope these denunciations turn into formal legal actions and that those responsible for all irregularities go to prison and repay the damage caused to policyholders,” he stated.
Deputy Guillermo Rodríguez (Yo Creo) was harsher, recalling that the Cartistas were accomplices until the last moment of Brítez and demanded that Fretes “really bang his fist on the table.” “Denounce the businessmen who do business with the IPS, denounce the directors, the complicit doctors. Don't come now pretending to be heroes. It's a lie, they were accomplices of the calamity, accomplices of the wheeler-dealers,” he fired.
So far, Isaías Fretes has not filed a formal criminal complaint against Brítez, despite having made public accusations about alleged irregularities in the previous administration. The lack of legal action was criticized by several deputies, who call for investigations to move forward and for those responsible to be held accountable.