Liberal deputy Freddy Franco came out in defense of the bill proposing the creation of the 'National Day of Vori Vori', amid criticism from political sectors. In an interview with Radio 1000, Franco argued that the initiative aims to value Paraguayan culture and gastronomy, noting that vori vori was recently internationally recognized.
“If we Paraguayans do not add value to our culture, we will be kicking against it,” he said, comparing the proposal to the protection other countries give to dishes like Mexican tacos or Chinese food. To avoid saturating the festive calendar, the deputy clarified that the bill plans to unify the date with National Folklore Day.
Franco also suggested that the questions about the bill are part of a political distraction strategy orchestrated by the ruling party and its allies. According to him, the debate was raised by Colorado senators and related sectors precisely when the alleged fake diplomas of former Senator Hernán Rivas were being discussed. “They worried about vori vori to divert citizens' attention,” he stated.
The most tense point of the statements was directed at Liberal Senator Dionisio Amarilla. Franco mocked his fellow party member's change in stance toward the government and mentioned President Santiago Peña's public jokes about Amarilla's closeness to the Colorado Party. In a mocking tone, Franco suggested that some would be more suited to present a bill for the 'Day of the Tova Mokôi' (Two-Faced Day).
“It's a scam to enter through one party and lend oneself to another. We have no face, we don't even have blood in our face to look at fellow party members afterward,” Franco declared, saying that this exposes the deep divisions in the Paraguayan opposition.
Disclaimer: the accusations that Senator Dionisio Amarilla is “two‑faced” are unverified claims made by Freddy Franco and have not been independently corroborated.
Note: the report relies solely on an interview with Radio 1000, a source rated as having medium reliability.