Areguá Mayoral Race Heats Up with Nine Candidates After Controversial Tenure

Areguá is gearing up for a heated mayoral election, with nine hopefuls emerging after the contentious term of Denis Torres, a member of the ruling Colorado Party (ANR).

The internal contest within the ANR is particularly fierce. One faction backs Julio Roberto Trinidad Ferreira, a current councilor supported by Minister of Social Development Tadeo Rojas. Another ANR contender is Pablo César Ayala García, a senior municipal official endorsed by the outgoing mayor, Denis Torres, who is ineligible for another term.

Further complicating the ANR's internal dynamics, Meliano Franco Florenciáñez, another outgoing councilor, is running with the support of the Samaniego clan. Fátima Concepción Ayala Leiva, representing the "abdismo" movement and presidential hopeful Arnoldo Wiens, is also in the running.

Adding to the political fray, Timoteo Anastacio Medina Gauto, a political operator for Senator Carlos Núñez, is also a candidate. Meanwhile, the Liberal Party (PLRA) presents its own set of contenders. Néstor Luis Villarreal, a liberal councilor, is backed by the movement led by Central Governor Ricardo Estigarribia. Juan Darío Ortiz Brítez, another outgoing councilor, has the support of former Senator Blas Llano. Luis Alberto Mercedes Villalba Jara, a former mayor and current councilor, is running with backing from Senator Ever Villalba. Lastly, Claudia Aldana Díaz Cortázar, an official from the Public Defense Ministry, is the candidate for the list led by Senator Dionisio Amarilla.