Weekly briefing - Aug 9, 2026 - Aug 16, 2026
Paraguay: Diplomacy, Protests, and a Mega-Operation
Sending aid to Colombia, protests against the government, and a questioned anti-drug operation marked the week.
The week in Paraguay was marked by a gesture of international solidarity, internal political tensions, and questions about the effectiveness and methods of security operations. While the government sent aid to Colombia, workers protested the deterioration of public services after three years of the Peña administration.
Politics: Diplomacy and Internal Tensions
Paraguay sent 50 tons of humanitarian aid to Colombia after the earthquake, a gesture that revived historical ties. Internally, the president appointed a career diplomat to the embassy in the US, while Asunción celebrated its anniversary amid protests against the government and allegations of persistent municipal corruption.
- Paraguay sends 50 tons of aid to Colombia after earthquake in ChocóABC Color, Ultima Hora, 1000 Noticias
- Peña Nominates Career Diplomat as Paraguay's Ambassador to the USUltima Hora, La Nacion, 1000 Noticias, El Nacional
- Asunción celebrates 489 years with festivities, parade, and electoral debateABC Color, El Nacional
- Complaint Alleges Asphalt Mafia Maintains Fuel Diversion Scheme in AsunciónABC Color, Ultima Hora
- Workers protest in Asunción against deterioration of services and rights after three years of governmentHoy, ABC Color, El Nacional, Ultima Hora
Economy: Growth and Fiscal Limitations
Soybean exports grew 41% through July, generating $3.5 billion. However, Moody's warned that low revenue and a rigid budget limit fiscal space. In parallel, the jet of a detained Brazilian banker operates from Paraguay, and the son of a Parxin partner was appointed to the World Bank.
- Paraguay's Soybean Exports Grow 41% and Total $3.5 Billion in 2026La Nacion, 1000 Noticias
- Moody's warns that low revenue and rigid budget limit Paraguay's fiscal spaceUltima Hora
- Jailed Banker's Jet Operates from Paraguay to Avoid Seizure in BrazilUltima Hora, ABC Color
- Son of Parxin Partner Appointed Paraguay's Representative to the World BankABC Color
Infrastructure: Regulation and Works
Ciudad del Este and Congress seek to regulate electric scooters after an increase in accidents. The government launched a manual to revitalize the Historic Center of Asunción by 2037, while works on the bioceanic corridor advance. The Public Prosecutor's Office charged former minister Arnoldo Wiens for damages in the Metrobús case.
- CDE and Congress seek to regulate electric scooters after rise in accidentsUltima Hora
- Government launches manual to revitalize Asunción's Historic Center by 2037Hoy, 1000 Noticias, Ultima Hora
- Paraguay advances bioceanic corridor and releases loans for infrastructureEl Nacional, La Nacion, Ultima Hora
- Paraguayan Prosecutor's Office Accuses Former Minister Arnoldo Wiens of Million-Dollar Loss in Metrobús ProjectHoy, 1000 Noticias, El Nacional, ABC Color
Security: Operations and Smuggling
A mega anti-drug operation resulted in only one accused and the death of two indigenous people, whose version of a confrontation is contested. At the Friendship Bridge, the Federal Revenue seized boxes of 'cell phones' that contained only dirt. Police recommend mechanical locks against thefts using signal jammers.
- Anti-drug operation in Paraguay leaves two indigenous men dead and only one accusedABC Color, Ultima Hora
- Federal Revenue seizes shipment of fake cellphones filled with dirt at Friendship BridgeABC Color, 1000 Noticias
- Paraguay Police Recommend Mechanical Locks Against Signal Jammers in Pickup Truck TheftsABC Color
- SENAD dismantles drug points in Asunción and Hernandarias, arrests two suspectsLa Nacion, Hoy, 1000 Noticias
Society: Rights and Protection
Paraguayan children and adolescents presented demands for rights in a context of poverty and violence. A judge ordered measures to protect isolated indigenous people from a YouTuber. A Swiss chef who traveled through 62 countries chose Paraguay to live, highlighting stability and social peace.
- Paraguayan children demand rights amid poverty and violence dataLa Nacion, 1000 Noticias, ABC Color
- Judge orders removal of cameras and protects isolated indigenous people in the Chaco from YouTuberABC Color, Ultima Hora, La Nacion
- Swiss chef chooses Paraguay to live and do business after 62 countriesLa Nacion
Health: Crisis at IPS and Restrictions in Argentina
The IPS approved a digital census for retirees while facing a crisis with paralyzed works at the central hospital and allegations that 569 nurses receive less than the minimum wage. In Argentina, the Milei government restricted foreigners' access to public health.
We will follow the developments of these themes, from the effectiveness of security operations to the pressures on public finances and essential services.