Political scientist Luis Fretes, a Liberal candidate for city council in Asunción, issued a stern warning during the celebrations for the 139th anniversary of the Authentic Radical Liberal Party (PLRA). He stated that the Paraguayan capital is experiencing one of the worst periods in its history and compared a potential victory for the officialist candidate Camilo Pérez (ANR, Honor Colorado) to the sacking the city suffered in 1869 by the troops of the Triple Alliance.
Fretes declared that, just as the city has known worse times in the past, there is a danger that a similar tragedy could repeat itself in 2026 with the arrival of Pérez and "his usual looters" to municipal power. He emphasized that the upcoming elections will be decisive for the future of Asunción, representing a democratic battle to recover a city suffering from institutional deterioration, neglect, and a loss of opportunities.
The candidate, who belongs to the internal movement LIDERA (Liberalismo Democrático), argued that the PLRA has a duty to defend the "Mother of Cities" and unite with other citizens to recover respect for neighbors, improve quality of life, and return cultural, social, and economic development to the streets. He proposed that the party lead a "National Union" to rebuild respect among citizens, promote tolerance, and defend every person's right to live with dignity.
Fretes concluded with an appeal that next year, upon turning 140, the PLRA should celebrate by being the municipal government and restoring to the residents of Asunción the pride of living in the capital.