Former Paraguayan President Horacio Cartes, now president of the National Republican Association (ANR) – Colorado Party, made a pointed remark about his health on Thursday during the traditional Te Deum ceremony at the Metropolitan Cathedral in Asunción, part of the 215th anniversary of Paraguay's independence.
When approached by journalists, Cartes initially gave a brief assessment of the Colorado Party's state as "5/5" as he entered the church. But the focus shifted when asked about his personal well-being. "Well, despite the fact that many of you wanted to see me dead, I'm alive," he said, according to a report by El Nacional.
The comment came amid weeks of speculation and rumors about Cartes's health, which have circulated in political circles and on social media. His presence at the official event also highlighted his ongoing central role within the Honor Colorado movement and the ANR, as internal party discussions continue ahead of upcoming municipal and internal elections.
The Te Deum ceremony was attended by national authorities, representatives of the three branches of government, and political leaders, all marking the country's independence festivities.