Weekly briefing - Jul 19, 2026 - Jul 26, 2026
Paraguay: Political and Economic Tensions Dominate the Week
Attack in Canindeyú, controversial Itaipú budget, and pressure for ANDE tariff adjustment mark the highlights.
The week in Paraguay was marked by political and economic tensions. A fatal attack on a police station reignited the security debate, while controversies over Itaipú spending and pressure for ANDE tariff adjustments dominated the government agenda.
Politics: Unity and Controversies
The Colorado Party launched its municipal campaign emphasizing unity, despite notable absences. Meanwhile, the management of Itaipú under Paraguayan direction faces criticism after a G. 10.7 billion increase in the vehicle rental budget, including an armored fleet.
Economy: Investments and Pressures
Taiwan announced an additional US$200 million for the Che Róga Porã housing program. Experts warn of the urgent need for an ANDE tariff adjustment to avoid an energy collapse, with energy demand growing 18.3% in the semester.
- Taiwan announces additional US$200 million for Paraguay's housing programABC Color, Hoy, La Nacion
- Experts warn that Paraguay's state electricity utility ANDE needs tariff adjustments and market opening to avoid an energy collapseUltima Hora, ABC Color
- Paraguay's electricity demand grew 18.3% in the first half of the year, says ANDEItapua Noticias
Agriculture: Sectoral Crises
Banana producers warn of a crisis due to dollar devaluation and high costs, a sector that supports over 20,000 families. The Ministry of Agriculture issued an alert for storms in several producing regions.
Infrastructure: Works and Investigation
The cost of the Bioceanic Route bridge increased by US$11.5 million during construction. The Prosecutor's Office investigates the diversion of funds in the Asunción Municipality and again indicts the mayor of San Estanislao for the alleged diversion of G. 1.85 billion.
Security: Attack and Investigation
Attack on a police station in Canindeyú kills three people, reigniting debate on EPP restructuring and exposing intelligence failures. Senators criticize the government for the advance of organized crime.
- Attack on Police Station in Paraguay Leaves Three Dead, Reignites Debate on EPP Restructuring1000 Noticias, Itapua Noticias, La Nacion, ABC Color
- Senators criticize government after attack on police station in CanindeyúHoy, ABC Color, El Nacional
Society: Migration and History
Residency applications in Paraguay surge 62%, with the majority being Brazilians. The Paraguayan passport rises to 28th in the global ranking. A historical article recalls an 1814 decree that prohibited marriages to weaken the Spanish elite.
- Residency applications in Paraguay surge 62%, with Brazilians making up the majorityItapua Noticias, Ultima Hora, La Nacion, Hoy
- Paraguayan passport rises to 28th in global ranking with access to 145 countriesForbes Paraguay
- A decree from 1814 prohibited marriages to weaken the Spanish elite in ParaguayUltima Hora
We will continue to monitor the unfolding of these crucial themes for Paraguay.