Paraguay's President Santiago Peña declared this Saturday (16) that former president and current leader of the Colorado Party, Horacio Cartes, will be the candidate of the National Republican Association (ANR) for the party presidency in 2027. The statement was made during a visit to the works on Avelino Martínez Avenue in San Lorenzo, Central Department.
“We have a candidate for president of the ANR, his name is Horacio Cartes. He is in an impressive recovery process. I, who have known him for more than 10 years, have never seen him with so much energy and willingness to keep fighting and collaborating. There is no doubt: the next candidate and next president to be re-elected in December 2027 is named Horacio Cartes,” said Peña.
Peña stated that he has already asked Cartes to remain at the head of the ANR, classifying him as “a fundamental support in the government.” The president also mentioned that on August 15, 2028, he will become a senator for life, according to the National Constitution.
Cartes, who had been away from public life due to health problems, reappeared on Thursday (13) during the Te Deum at the Metropolitan Cathedral of Asunción, in celebration of the 215th anniversary of National Independence. On that occasion, he joked: “Although several of you want to see me dead, I am alive. You will have to put up with me for a long time yet.”
The former president was admitted to intensive care on February 26, after a seizure crisis and surgery to implant a pacemaker. He was discharged on March 2 and since then his public appearances have been limited. His recovery brought relief in the political sphere, especially at a decisive moment for the municipal elections.