El Nacional

Aina Clotet's debut film, 'Viva,' premiered at the Cannes Film Festival's Semaine de la Critique, presenting a comedic yet profound look at a 40-year-old scientist's pursuit of life and personal reinvention after overcoming breast cancer. The film, set against the backdrop of an extreme drought in Catalonia, uses humor to tackle themes of mental health, love, and the search for inner strength.

The MOPC clarifies that the first stage of the commuter train from Asunción to Luque will cost US$400-450 million, contradicting earlier Fepasa statements. Meanwhile, the Health Ministry has disbursed US$100 million to suppliers as part of a broader debt payment plan.

Paraguay's ambassador to the US, Gustavo Leite, disclosed that the government offered American Airlines $5 million in subsidies for the Asunción-Miami route, a deal that fell through. After a subsequent agreement with GOL also stalled, Senator Rafael Filizzola accused President Peña and Leite of secret negotiations, while Dinac denied having budget authority for such payments.

Paraguayan women in leadership roles are balancing demanding careers with family responsibilities, while the nation's political landscape faces institutional disarray and a lack of clear governance. Nine executives and entrepreneurs shared their experiences, highlighting the constant negotiation required to manage businesses, raise children, and maintain personal well-being. Meanwhile, political analysts point to a breakdown in the separation of powers and a chaotic governmental approach, with a focus on internal party politics rather than public administration.

The tenth edition of the 'Jagua Patriota' pet parade drew large crowds to Asunción's historic center, featuring dogs and other pets dressed in patriotic colors to celebrate Paraguay's 215th Independence Day.

A man identified as Juan Arzamendia, reportedly intoxicated, was arrested early Friday after breaking into the 8th Company of the Volunteer Fire Corps in Capiatá, causing damage to the station and a volunteer's vehicle. He claimed to be a military member and said he would cover the costs.

A forensic autopsy has confirmed that 26-year-old Mariza Paola Balbuena Medina died from severe blunt force trauma to the head, ruling out sharp weapons. Her partner, Juan Antonio González, who has a prior domestic violence record and an outstanding arrest warrant, is the prime suspect in what authorities are investigating as a femicide.

Paraguay's weather service forecasts a cool Sunday with scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms, especially in the Chaco and northern/eastern regions. Temperatures will range from 13°C to 22°C, with south winds. Conditions are expected to improve gradually, but a cold air mass will bring even cooler temperatures early next week.

Julio Enciso was the standout name in Racing Strasbourg's epic comeback, defeating Monaco 5-4 in the latest Ligue 1 round. The Paraguayan provided three assists and was named man of the match by Sofascore with a rating of 8.9.

During the central Mass in Caacupé, Bishop Ricardo Valenzuela read a letter from Pope Leo XIV warning about the risks of artificial intelligence for human relationships, creativity, and truth, defending love as a real presence.

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.

Paraguay's Ministry of Education and Sciences (MEC) announced that school uniforms will not be mandatory during days of low temperatures, prioritizing student health and the prevention of respiratory diseases.

Paraguay's National Directorate of Intellectual Property (DINAPI) has announced the pilot plan "Pya'e Porã", which uses digital tools to streamline trademark procedures. The initiative includes public webinars starting May 21.

Paraguayan defender Omar Alderete was substituted at the 22nd minute of the match against Everton this Sunday after feeling a hip injury. Manager Régis Le Bris confirmed that the player had been experiencing discomfort during the week and that the substitution was precautionary.

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).

Palmeiras released the official medical report of Paraguayan forward Ramón Sosa, who suffered a left ankle sprain during a match against Cruzeiro. The ligament injury is of low severity, does not require surgery, and the estimated recovery time is approximately two weeks, which would make him fit in time for the 2026 World Cup.

A preventive patrol by the 19th Police Station in Mayor Otaño, in the early hours of Sunday, triggered a chase and shooting that resulted in the death of one man, the arrest of another, and the seizure of two vehicles carrying a load of marijuana. The incident occurred in the Parejha colony.

Conmebol transferred three matches involving Bolivian clubs to Asunción due to social conflicts in the country. Always Ready, Independiente Petrolero, and Blooming will play in Paraguay this week.

Mónica Idalia González Piazzoli, 26, and her 7-year-old son were found dead in a rented room in the Santa Luísa neighborhood of Lambaré. Police are investigating the hypothesis of filicide followed by suicide. A letter attributed to the woman, also published on her WhatsApp status, alleges that her ex-partner and the boy's biological father sexually abused and mistreated the child. The allegations have not been verified by authorities, and the prosecutor's office is investigating their veracity.

Gianina García Troche, partner of alleged drug trafficker Sebastián Marset, requested house arrest during a statement in the framework of Operation A Ultranza Paraguay, which investigates money laundering from drug trafficking. The request will be analyzed by Judge Rosarito Montanía.

Michael Ariel Florentín Saucedo, 33, got out of his vehicle to pick tangerines in the Villa del Agrónomo neighborhood of San Lorenzo and was run over by a car. The driver, Bryan Giovanni Barboza Barrios, 20, tested negative for alcohol and was detained by order of the Public Prosecutor's Office.

Paraguay's Ministry of Industry and Commerce (MIC) has launched the fourth edition of Expo eCommerce, to be held on May 21, 2026, focusing on reducing the digital gap among micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). National Director of Entrepreneurship Romina Da Re highlighted that only 15% of MSMEs have their own e-commerce platform, despite the sector representing 70% of employment and 24% of the country's commercial activity. The event, organized by the Paraguayan Chamber of Electronic Commerce with support from the Vice Ministry of MSMEs, will offer training in digital sales, payment methods, artificial intelligence, and financial inclusion.

Less than a month before the 2026 World Cup, the Paraguayan national team faces a series of injuries affecting key players, generating uncertainty in the final preparation.

Deputy Arturo Urbieta introduced a bill aimed at establishing new rules to ensure greater safety and quality in medical care, amid constant reports of sanitary failures, hospital-acquired infections, and errors in medical procedures in Paraguay.