Weekly briefing - Jun 28, 2026 - Jul 5, 2026
Paraguay: Political and Economic Tensions Dominate the Week
Institutional crisis, contradictions in the fight against drug trafficking, and investments in the circular economy mark the recent days.
The week in Paraguay was marked by accusations of political authoritarianism, contradictions in anti-drug policy, and advances in sustainable investments, revealing tensions between official discourse and practical reality.
Politics
Senator Líder Amarilla accused the ruling party of imposing a 'dictatorship of the majority' by controlling oversight bodies, while President Peña faces contradictions in statements about drug trafficking.
- Senator accuses ruling party of imposing majority dictatorship in oversight bodiesABC Color
- Seizure in Spain contradicts Peña's claim about the end of cocaine traffickingABC Color
- Peña reaffirms alignment with US and Taiwan and resists Chinese pressure within MercosurUltima Hora
- IPS Director Admits Ueno Bank Exceeds Legal Limit for Pension FundsABC Color, Hoy
Economy
Investments in the circular economy exceeded US$170 million, generating 7,000 jobs, while public debt rose to US$21.8 billion but fell relative to GDP.
- Paraguay invests $170 million in circular economy, creates 7,000 jobsUltima Hora
- Paraguay's Public Debt Rises to US$21.8 Billion, But Debt-to-GDP Ratio Falls to 36.2%ABC Color
- Atome seeks agreement with Paraguay's state power utility ANDE to unlock fertilizer plant in VilletaUltima Hora
- Import of electric vehicles in Paraguay grows 65.7% in 2025, but fleet remains smallABC Color
Infrastructure
Structural problems at the new MEC headquarters and potholes on the Bioceanic Route contrast with advances in housing programs and modernization of public transport.
- Union requests suspension of MEC move to new headquarters in Puerto de Asunción due to structural problemsUltima Hora
- Pothole on Bioceanic Route Causes Accident and Animal Deaths in Loma PlataABC Color, Ultima Hora
- The Che Róga Porã program has already benefited 6,100 families and is expanding access to housing credit in ParaguayUltima Hora, Hoy
- Paraguay tenders 300 buses, 40% electric, to modernize transportation in AsunciónLa Nacion, Hoy
Security
Seizures of medicines and smartphones in police operations evidence smuggling routes, while arrests of drug traffickers show efforts against organized crime.
- Public Prosecutor's Office seizes phones and medications from armored car after robberyABC Color
- Brazil's Federal Revenue Service seizes 3,500 vials of medication hidden in a car in ParanáABC Color
- Nephew of Barón Escurra arrested in anti-drug operation in AmambayUnicanal, Hoy, ABC Color
- The U.S. Attorney’s Office accuses Sebastián Marset of the murder of a businessman in Asunción and narcoterrorismUltima Hora
Society
Explosion on a barge on the Paraguay River kills five, while a fake diploma scandal exposes crisis in higher education and a court case sets a precedent against digital harassment.
- Explosion on barge in Paraguay River kills at least five in AsuncionABC Color, Ultima Hora, Hoy, El Nacional
- The fake diploma scandal in Paraguay exposes a structural crisis in higher educationEl Nacional, Ultima Hora
- Paraguayan court sentences man to 10 years for digital harassment of former partnerLa Nacion
- Senate Committee Forwards Report to Federal Police on Fraud That Harmed 46 Hospital de Clínicas EmployeesUltima Hora
Health
Public system performs first high-complexity pacemaker implant, while an outbreak of bovine rabies and exodus of nurses reveal challenges in animal and human health.
- Paraguay's public health system performs first high-complexity pacemaker implantLa Nacion
- The National Service for Animal Quality and Health (Senacsa) confirms an outbreak of bovine rabies in Cerrito following deaths in the cattle herdABC Color
- Nurses leave Paraguay's IPS due to low wages, migrate to EuropeUltima Hora
- IPS has only 63 ambulances to serve more than 2 million insured individualsABC Color
We will continue monitoring the unfolding of these issues that define the current Paraguayan landscape.