Asunción Mayoral Candidate Pérez Unveils Plan Focused on Artigas, Security, Historic Center

Camilo Pérez, the Colorado Party candidate for Mayor of Asunción, has unveiled his government plan, promising infrastructure improvements and enhanced security, but he must contend with the municipality's precarious financial situation.

Pérez presented his platform and the technical team that would support him if he wins the municipal elections on October 4. Key proposals include the long-awaited repair of Avenida Artigas, the creation of a Municipal Neighborhood Police force to increase security in residential areas, and the revitalization of the Historic Center. However, these promises are overshadowed by the city's substantial debt, accumulated over years of previous administrations. The central challenge for the next mayor will be identifying funding sources for these initiatives.

The candidate highlighted that his team comprises 31 volunteers from the private sector, aiming to blend political experience with technical expertise. A significant promise is the repair of Avenida Artigas, a project Pérez discussed with the Minister of Public Works. There is a commitment to initiate bidding this year, with construction expected to begin in the first half of next year. Pérez acknowledged that the Ministry of Public Works would finance this project, necessitating close coordination between the municipal government and the central government, alongside managing the traffic disruptions such a large-scale project would cause.

Another key proposal is the establishment of a Municipal Neighborhood Police force, intended to patrol neighborhoods, protect public spaces, and increase the municipal presence. This initiative aims to address citizen demands for greater security. However, it raises further questions about the costs associated with creating and maintaining such a structure within a financially strained municipality. Pérez did not provide details on the project's budget or its funding mechanism, leaving a significant gap in his otherwise detailed plan.