Weekly briefing - Jul 5, 2026 - Jul 12, 2026
Politics, economy, and infrastructure in focus
Corruption convictions, economic growth, and energy warnings mark the Paraguayan week.
This week, Paraguay saw corruption convictions become final, the economy grow by 5.6%, and warnings about an imminent energy crisis, while national politics faced internal and external criticism.
Politics: convictions and controversies
The Supreme Court rejected appeals and made final the 10-year conviction of former governor Hugo Javier González for diverting pandemic funds. Meanwhile, Senator Celeste Amarilla faced a second caricature from Charlie Hebdo after racist comments about Kylian Mbappé.
Economy: growth and credit
The Paraguayan economy grew 5.6% in the first five months of 2026, driven by the primary sector. The number of people with credit in the country doubled to 2.3 million in three years, according to the central bank.
Agriculture: technology and challenges
Technologies such as precision agriculture and drones are central to agribusiness competitiveness. A 32-year study proved the benefits of no-till farming for soil health.
Infrastructure: energy and transport
Paraguay faces the risk of an energy crisis starting in 2026, warns the IPPSE. ANDE received proposals of up to $110 million in bids for substations and began a census to compensate owners affected by a new transmission line.
- Paraguay faces the risk of an energy crisis starting in 2026, warns the Institute of Paraguayan Professionals in the Electricity Sector (IPPSE)Ultima Hora
- ANDE, Paraguay's state electricity utility, receives proposals of up to US$110 million in substation tendersABC Color
- ANDE begins census to compensate 165 property owners for transmission line projectABC Color
Security: migration and cyberthreats
Paraguay Migrations prevented more than 1,300 irregular departures and recorded 867 inadmissions of foreigners in the first half of the year. Paraguay and the US issued a joint statement denouncing Chinese cyberespionage on state networks.
Society: labor and tourism
Nineteen Paraguayans were rescued from slave-like labor in Paraná. A Spanish tourist went viral after being surprised by real alligators in Laguna de Itá.
We will continue to follow the developments on these topics next week.