The Authentic Radical Liberal Party (PLRA) took a concrete step toward opposition unity by announcing the withdrawal of Laura Folle's candidacy for mayor of Ciudad del Este in favor of Daniel Pereira Mujica from the Yo Creo movement. The decision, communicated by PLRA president Alcides Riveros, was based on polls showing Mujica as the best-positioned opposition candidate to face the Colorado Party in the municipality.
Riveros emphasized that the gesture aims to strengthen the opposition not only for the October 4 municipal elections but also for the 2028 presidential elections, stating that "there is no 2028 without 2026." He called for political maturity from other sectors, specifically mentioning the districts of Presidente Franco and Villa Elisa, where the PLRA would have an advantage, to also consider unifying candidacies.
Senator Eduardo Nakayama, who returned to the PLRA after talks with party leadership, endorsed the measure and called for similar agreements to be sought in other municipalities where multiple opposition candidacies could split votes. He noted that the deadline for withdrawals ends on August 7. Nakayama also responded to criticism from Senator Celeste Amarilla, who launched her presidential pre-candidacy, stating he will respond with his track record and political consistency.
Meanwhile, Central Governor Ricardo Estigarribia, also from the PLRA, remained cautious about a potential presidential candidacy, stating that the current focus is on the municipal elections. He and Nakayama agreed that discussions about 2028 should await the October results to avoid premature political wear.
On the government side, Horacio Cartes, president of the Colorado Party (ANR), met with the 19 Colorado candidates for mayor in the Central Department, asking them to intensify their campaign to recover municipalities currently administered by the opposition. Cartes highlighted the strategic importance of Central, where the party governs nine of the 19 districts, and expressed confidence in a significant victory, giving special support to candidate Diana Recalde in Villa Elisa, where liberal Sergio Estigarribia seeks reelection.
In Asunción, opposition candidate Soledad Núñez from the United for Asunción Alliance stated she has the backing of all opposition political forces, including the PLRA, and denied any internal division. She confirmed that former Ciudad del Este mayor Miguel Prieto will participate in her campaign in August and denied a supposed distancing from Deputy Johanna Ortega, stating that she actively participates in the campaign command.
The opposition unity in Ciudad del Este also had the support of Senator Yolanda Paredes from the National Crusade Party, who confirmed her sector's backing for Daniel Pereira Mujica's candidacy.