Paraguay's Chamber of Deputies on Tuesday gave preliminary approval to a bill declaring the Social Security Institute (IPS) in a state of emergency, citing a severe crisis marked by medicine shortages, dilapidated facilities, and structural failures at the Central Hospital. The initiative, reported by El Nacional, was backed by lawmakers from various sectors, including the ruling Colorado Party (cartistas), but drew sharp criticism from opposition and dissident members who accused the government of hypocrisy.
The bill grants exceptional powers to the IPS administration led by Isaías Fretes, allowing it to fast-track hiring, procurement, construction, and direct purchases to address the operational collapse. During the debate, several legislators described the IPS as experiencing one of the worst moments in its history, with constant complaints of supply shortages, broken elevators, and growing anger among beneficiaries.
Liberal deputy Diosnel Aguilera delivered a harsh speech, stating that the IPS is no longer just in an emergency but in a critical situation resulting from years of political mismanagement and waste. He noted that many of the same sectors now pushing urgent measures were the ones who supported and defended the previous administration under Jorge Magno Brítez.
The bill was promoted by cartista deputy Yamil Esgaib, whose presentation drew questions because he partially defended Brítez's management while using the current deterioration as grounds for the emergency declaration. Colorado dissident deputy Roberto González pointed out the contradiction, recalling that he had previously proposed a similar emergency declaration for the public health system but received no support from the cartista majority. He said only now have many legislators “realized” the magnitude of the crisis.
Tensions escalated when deputy Mauricio Espínola publicly challenged IPS President Isaías Fretes to cancel a multimillion-dollar tender for the institution's gardening services. The contract, worth over G. 44 billion (approximately $5.8 million), was awarded to the Consorcio Pro Verde, which includes the firm Wels S.A., a company in which Manuel Peña, brother of President Santiago Peña, previously participated. Espínola argued that if the administration truly intends to be transparent and combat excesses, it must start by reviewing such large awards.
In response, cartista deputy Néstor Castellano defended former IPS head Jorge Brítez, asking to avoid personal attacks and asserting that Brítez did the best possible job under difficult circumstances. The approval also opened debate on a potential reform of the IPS Organic Charter, a possibility raised by official sectors that has sparked concern among political and union groups about deep changes to the institution's functioning.