The city of Lambaré is going through one of its worst urban crises in recent years, with destroyed streets, neighborhoods frequently underwater, and growing public outrage over the lack of basic services. The municipality has declared a road and environmental state of emergency, but the situation remains critical, generating heavy wear and tear on the current administration and mounting pressure for change in the municipal elections to be held on June 7.
The current mayor, Rosa Agustín Guido González Dans of the Honor Colorado movement, is seeking reelection backed by the ruling party machinery. His administration, however, is the target of harsh criticism for failing to solve the city’s longstanding problems, along with questions about budget execution and a lack of transparency in public contracts and works.
In the Colorado Party’s internal contest, councilwoman Carolina González, wife of former congressman Orlando Arévalo, stands out as a candidate. Both face money laundering accusations, which adds a controversial element to the campaign. Carolina is also criticized for the alleged political use of municipal structures and for representing the ruling party’s traditional practices, even as she tries to position herself as an alternative within the party.
Oviedista Aarón Ruiz Díaz is running for mayor under the Éticos Republicanos movement, while Cynthia Cantero is competing under the Universitario Estudiantil ANR movement. In the Authentic Radical Liberal Party (PLRA), three councilmen — Nelson Medina, Eduardo Molinas, and Jonatan Mendieta — are also candidates, seeking to capitalize on the ruling party’s wear and tear and on popular discontent. Mendieta is backed by Senator Dionisio Amarilla and is running under the Diálogo Azul movement.
Beyond the traditional candidacies, the so-called “third space” has put forward Celso Núñez, a journalist and lawyer, as the sole candidate of an alliance that brings together thirteen political parties. Núñez criticizes the city’s 40 years of stagnation under the same power groups and proposes a joint project to take on the Colorado ruling establishment, highlighting the lack of municipal infrastructure even in the face of private investment.
The election campaign is unfolding against a backdrop of social frustration, with many residents saying that promises are no longer enough and demanding concrete, immediate solutions to problems involving infrastructure, lighting, transportation, and waste management. The future mayor will face the challenge of running a city in financial and administrative crisis, as well as restoring public trust.