Former senator Javier “Chaqueñito” Vera, expelled from the Paraguayan Congress, now faces an administrative proceeding by the Comptroller General's Office (CGR) for failing to submit his Sworn Declaration of Assets and Income (DD.JJ.) within 15 business days after the end of his term. The fine could reach 100% of the salary he received as a senator, estimated at around 32 million guaraníes.
In an interview with Radio Monumental, Vera stated that the oversight was due to the stress of his removal. “It's very worrying, I have to sell my body to pay the fine. I received the notification a week ago and this week I will give a response,” he said, in his characteristic tone. He added that he is being advised to regularize the situation and that he will publish the declaration as soon as possible.
Armindo Torres, director of Sworn Declarations at the CGR, explained that the law is clear and that the deadline has already passed, which prompted the opening of the proceeding. Torres highlighted that the legislation has been updated: previously, the fine was fixed at 300 minimum wages, an amount that was negligible for high-ranking officials, but now it is calculated proportionally to the official's salary, ranging from 20% to 100%, with progressive increases depending on the days of delay.
In addition to Vera, former Colorado senators Erico Galeano and Hernán Rivas, who also recently lost their seats, must submit their declarations to avoid similar sanctions.
On another front, the internal dispute within the Colorado Party for the mayoralty of Asunción has intensified. Camilo Pérez, a pre-candidate from the Honor Colorado movement, criticized Senator Lilian Samaniego and her brother, Arnaldo Samaniego, for requesting a new audit of the electronic voting machines of the Superior Electoral Court (TSJE), just three weeks before the internal elections scheduled for June 7. Pérez called the request a “desperate maneuver” and stated that the electoral calendar will not be changed. The TSJE already conducted audits between February 1 and 27, with participation from all parties, and Minister Jaime Bestard confirmed that the schedule remains unchanged.