For the umpteenth time, the Paraguayan Senate failed to reach quorum at the scheduled time for Wednesday's regular session, repeating a pattern already seen in the Chamber of Deputies. Faced with the absence of lawmakers, the board called an extraordinary session, a measure that, according to critics, serves to avoid debate on controversial topics.
Senator Walter Kobilansky, of the National Crusade party, was the most emphatic in demanding punishments. “To be stricter, since we demand that society follow the rules under penalty of fines, we have to be serious. I propose a Solomon-like decision: whoever does not arrive on time loses the right to register,” he said. The suggestion, however, was rejected by the president of Congress, who stated that “there is no possibility in the rules to fine a senator for late arrivals.”
Senator Rafael Filizzola defended responsibility: “If there is no political reason preventing the formation of quorum, we must act responsibly and hold the session.” Dionisio Amarilla downplayed the incident, calling it a “legislative strategy.” “Each one represents their sector and, depending on the interest in the topic, stays or not in the session. I don't know why so much scandal,” he said.
Last year, Senator Yolanda Paredes, also of the National Crusade, had already demanded fines and sanctions for colleagues who do not show up on time. On that occasion, she openly criticized the practice: “They arrive whenever they feel like it, like ducklings, one after another. It's a disgrace.” Paredes noted that lawmakers receive high salaries — about 38 million guaranis monthly between allowances and representation expenses, after a 15.6% increase from the previous year, approved with the endorsement of President Santiago Peña — and enjoy health insurance and VIP retirement, privileges that fuel criticism of the legislature.