Asunción Mayoral Candidate Courts Votes from Veterans of Stroessner Ouster Amid Indemnification Woes

In a strategic move ahead of the June 7 municipal primaries, Camilo Pérez, a leading contender for Asunción's mayorship under the Honor Colorado banner, has actively courted the support of veterans who played a pivotal role in the historic 1989 coup that ousted dictator Alfredo Stroessner. This engagement underscores the enduring significance of the '2 and 3 February' movement in Paraguay's political landscape. Pérez's appeal to these 'excombatientes' highlights a critical issue: the ongoing struggle for government indemnification. Many veterans are reportedly facing difficulties in receiving promised payments, with the Ministry of Interior citing a lack of supporting documents for the rejection of hundreds of claims. This situation creates a complex backdrop for Pérez's campaign, as he seeks to leverage the historical legacy of these veterans while addressing their present grievances. The veterans, who fought for democracy's return, now find themselves in a bureaucratic battle for recognition and financial compensation, a narrative that resonates deeply within a nation still grappling with its past.

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Many of us had to leave the city for safety, but you stayed defending the homeland and the freedom of Paraguay.