Weekly briefing - Jul 26, 2026 - Aug 2, 2026
Paraguay: Political tensions, economic growth, and energy crisis
Cartes proposes toll in Asunción, soy drives exports, and experts warn of energy crisis by 2030.
The week in Paraguay was marked by heated political debates, economic growth sustained by agribusiness, and warnings about critical infrastructure. Border tensions with Brazil and preparations for international events also dominated the agenda.
Politics: Debates and tensions
Horacio Cartes suggested a toll for entering Asunción, generating rejection from Soledad Núñez. Paraguay delivered a protest note to Brazil regarding Lula's statements about the War of the Triple Alliance.
- Cartes suggests toll to enter Asunción; Soledad Núñez rejects proposalABC Color, El Nacional, Ultima Hora
- Paraguay delivers protest note to Brazil and reiterates request for return of war trophiesUltima Hora, Unicanal, ABC Color, El Nacional
- Peña revokes special permission, Liseras resumes role at ConajzarABC Color
Economy: Growth and investments
Soy processing grew 12% in the first half, generating $709 million in exports. An Ecuadorian group announced a $200 million investment in hotels and steel.
Agriculture: Exports and health
Producers support maintaining vaccination against foot-and-mouth disease until 2028 to protect beef exports, which exceeded $2 billion last year.
- Paraguay presents its FMD expertise in Mongolia while keeping vaccination through 2028La Nacion, Ultima Hora, ABC Color
Infrastructure: Works and challenges
MOPC tendered G. 1.089 trillion for roads in Concepción. Border bridge works advance, but access points and customs are delayed until 2027.
- MOPC tenders G. 1.089 trillion to rehabilitate 219 km of roads in ConcepciónABC Color, La Nacion
- Construction on border bridges between Brazil and Paraguay is advancing, but access roads and customs facilities are delayed until 2027La Nacion, 1000 Noticias, ABC Color
- Essap Sewage Leak Affects Commercial Microcenter of Ciudad del EsteUltima Hora
Security: Combating drugs and crime
SENAD eliminated about 160 tons of marijuana in a joint operation. An Argentine arrested for human trafficking described by authorities as having a sadistic profile.
- Paraguay intensifies drug fight with major operation, Ypané raid and Manzur ruling1000 Noticias, La Nacion, Ultima Hora
- Argentine man arrested for trafficking and sexual violence has sadistic profile, police sayEl Nacional, Ultima Hora, Hoy, ABC Color
- Interpol arrests Paraguayan accused of sending cocaine to Asia in wine bottlesABC Color, El Nacional
Society: Inequalities and rights
Multidimensional poverty map reveals extreme disparity between districts. Prison overcrowding reaches 147%, with 60% of inmates awaiting trial.
We will continue to monitor the evolution of these critical issues for Paraguay's development.