Senado de Paraguay

The Paraguayan Senate approved, amid heated debate, a bill authorizing the Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF) to pay about US$100 million in late interest on unpaid construction certificates. The measure, which now goes to the Chamber of Deputies, was criticized by opposition lawmakers, who consider it unconstitutional and question the lack of transparency regarding the works.

Paraguay's Appeals Court is set to rule on an appeal that could lead to the pretrial detention of former Senator Erico Galeano, sentenced to 13 years for money laundering and criminal association. The defense is trying to avoid imprisonment, while the Public Prosecutor's Office is requesting immediate detention.

The Board of the Social Insurance Institute (IPS) approved the award of a tender for medical supplies worth G. 17 billion, well below the initially projected G. 32 billion, representing savings of over G. 15 billion.

The Legislation Committee of Paraguay's Chamber of Deputies issued a favorable opinion on the Senate's ratification, which raises the maximum sentence for adolescents in serious crimes from 8 to 15 years, amending article 207 of the Childhood and Adolescence Code (Law No. 1,680/2001). The bill now moves to a final vote on the floor of the Lower House.

Liz Torres reports the theft of Matrix, a German shepherd who serves as emotional support for her 7-year-old daughter Cloe, who has autism. The crime occurred in San Antonio, in the Central department, and was captured by security cameras. The family asks for help locating the animal.

The Paraguayan Senate's regular session, scheduled for 9 a.m., lacked a quorum, leading to an extraordinary session with less room for debate. Senator Walter Kobilansky (National Crusade) proposed fines or restrictions for lawmakers who arrive late, while the President of Congress stated that the rules do not provide for financial penalties.

Independent Senator Eduardo Nakayama has asked Senate President Basilio Núñez to investigate the authenticity of academic degrees held by staff receiving bonuses, amid suspicions of forgery linked to Sudamericana University.

The Paraguayan Senate's Foreign Relations Committee issued a favorable opinion on the Executive's bill to incorporate the Secretariat for the Development of Repatriates and National Refugees into the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, aiming to eliminate duplication of functions and optimize spending. The Chamber of Deputies had already approved the matter with amendments, and the text now goes to the Senate for final analysis.

Paraguay's Chamber of Deputies approved, in an ordinary session, a bill establishing uniform rules for obtaining, renewing, and rehabilitating driver's licenses for people with hearing disabilities, prohibiting automatic refusal based solely on the condition.

The Budget Committee of Paraguay's Chamber of Deputies issued a favorable opinion on the bill enabling the commuter rail, through a government-to-government (G2G) agreement. The initiative, already approved in the Senate, is considered an absolute priority by President Santiago Peña, according to the President of the Chamber, Raúl Latorre. The plan includes an initial 18 km phase to Luque and future expansion to Ypacaraí, with capacity to transport more than 40,000 people per day.

Paraguay's Comptroller General's Office has initiated a summary proceeding against former Senator Javier 'Chaqueñito' Vera for failing to submit his sworn asset declaration within the legal 15-business-day deadline after leaving office. Vera claims forgetfulness and says he is organizing the documentation, while the Comptroller's Office warns that the fine could reach 100% of his salary, depending on the days of delay.

Paraguay's Congress President Basilio "Bachi" Núñez faces a new complaint for allegedly favoring his niece, whose salary rose from G. 4.5 million to G. 9.5 million in less than two years. The accusation includes self-dealing.

Paraguay's Congress President Basilio "Bachi" Núñez faces a new complaint over alleged family favoritism: his niece, hired at just 18 with only a high school diploma, had her salary raised from G. 4,500,000 to G. 9,500,000 in less than two years, a 111% increase. The accusation includes self-serving administration and calls for an investigation by the Public Prosecutor's Office.

The Authentic Radical Liberal Party (PLRA) has called for this Monday (19) an expanded meeting of the Political Committee, amid allegations of internal movements regarding supposed irregularities in the electoral process of the internal elections scheduled for June 7, 2026. Opposition sectors claim exclusion of proxies and audit technicians from voting machines and announce their own parallel vote counting system.

The president of the Paraguayan Congress, Basilio “Bachi” Núñez, announced he will present an electoral reform bill to allow each voter to vote for up to two candidates from the same party list, expanding the current system of open closed lists. The proposal will first be debated in the Governing Board of the Colorado Party.

The Senate Education and Culture Committee gave unanimous approval to a bill that repeals Law 4633/2012 and creates mechanisms to tackle school harassment in digital environments, with a focus on re-education and institutional accountability.

Rocío Ojeda, former director of the Animal Protection Commission of the National Congress, denounces that she was dismissed without formal justification and without access to the administrative process, despite having job stability and suffering from multiple sclerosis. She says she continues to work her hours while awaiting the end of her notice period on May 30, and that the President of Congress, Basilio Bachi Núñez, said he was unaware of the case.

Paraguay's Minister of Interior, Enrique Riera, denied rumors that he would return to the Senate, stating that President Santiago Peña asked him to remain in office. Riera also commented on the upcoming internal municipal elections and the ministry's stance of party neutrality.

The General Comptroller's Office of the Republic (CGR) of Paraguay has initiated an administrative proceeding against former senator Javier “Chaqueñito” Vera for failing to submit his sworn declaration of assets and income after leaving office. The fine may reach 100% of the salary he received.

The president of the Paraguayan Congress, Basilio "Bachi" Núñez, defended the reliability of electronic voting machines and opened the door for an audit of academic degrees and employee bonuses, amid criticism from the opposition.

Appeals Court confirms rejection of former senator Erico Galeano's appeal, sentenced to 13 years for money laundering and criminal association. With the decision, the Sentencing Court may schedule a hearing to decide on preventive detention.

Senator Celeste Amarilla (PLRA) strongly criticized the Senate Board for dedicating time to symbolic projects, such as declaring the 'National Day of Vori Vori', while the country faces a public health crisis, lack of medicines, and corruption allegations, especially at the Institute of Social Welfare (IPS).

President Santiago Peña called for judicial cases involving legislators to be treated with the same criteria, regardless of party, while commenting on the situations of former senators Erico Galeano and Hernán Rivas. He also supported the work of ANEAES in reviewing university degrees.

President Santiago Peña refused to comment on the departure of former Colorado senators Erico Galeano and Hernán Rivas, both involved in serious judicial scandals, as the government tries to contain political damage. At an event in Presidente Hayes, Peña preferred to address the controversy over the military parade and the critical situation of the Social Security Institute (IPS).