ANR deletes post on diploma using Nazi model as reference

The Colorado Party (ANR) has found itself embroiled in controversy after deleting a social media post that referenced Joseph Goebbels, the chief propagandist of the Nazi regime, as a model for a political science diploma course. The post, shared on the party's official Facebook page, described how the course analyzed political propaganda using Goebbels' methods for message construction, persuasion, and public impact.

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Durante la jornada se abordó el análisis de la propaganda política, tomando como referencia el modelo de Joseph Goebbels, a fin de comprender los mecanismos de construcción de mensajes, persuasión y su impacto en la opinión pública

This reference immediately sparked outrage and condemnation from various quarters, including specialized publications and internet users. Critics decried the ANR's use of a figure synonymous with hate propaganda and accused the party of a historical affinity with Nazism. The controversy escalated as writers and commentators recalled instances of ANR leaders and governments sympathizing with Nazi Germany, citing the regime of General Higinio Morínigo and the historical fact that Paraguay was a haven for Nazi war criminals, including Josef Mengele.

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La clase permitió a los estudiantes reflexionar sobre el uso estratégico de la comunicación, la repetición de ideas y la influencia de los discursos en la sociedad, fortaleciendo una mirada crítica frente a estos fenómenos

While some attempted to defend the course as an exercise in "critical" understanding of the Nazi rise to power, the overwhelming reaction was one of shock and indignation. The ANR's subsequent deletion of the post, without official comment from its communications directorate beyond referring inquiries to the diploma's coordinator, Hugo Vera, did little to quell the controversy. From our perspective at ABC Color, this incident is deeply troubling. It raises serious questions about the historical awareness and judgment within the ANR leadership. While understanding historical phenomena is important, using a figure like Goebbels as a "reference model" in a contemporary political science course, especially given Paraguay's own historical context with Nazism, is not only insensitive but also deeply irresponsible. This is not merely a Western concern; it strikes at the heart of our national memory and the values we should uphold.

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Como se sabe, en nuestro país, el gobierno del general Higinio Morínigo, (1940-1947) -quien entregó el poder al Partido Colorado- simpatizó abiertamente con las potencias del Eje (Alemania, Italia y Japón) hasta que la presión internacional lo obligó a alinearse con los aliados hacia el final de la guerra