Cartes associate backs Ciudad del Este mayoral hopeful, governor says

Alto Paraná Governor César “Landy” Torres has confirmed that José Ortiz, a key figure associated with Horacio Cartes, is backing the mayoral campaign of Rigoberto Chamorro in Ciudad del Este for the upcoming municipal elections. Torres, a member of the ruling Colorado Party (ANR-HC), stated that Ortiz, who manages significant businesses like Tabacalera del Este, has offered his support for Chamorro's candidacy.

Torres explained that Ortiz reached out after the municipal primaries to inquire about the campaign's progress. Upon hearing about the strategy, Ortiz offered his support, seeing Chamorro as a symbol of hope and renewal for Ciudad del Este and the wider Alto Paraná region. This backing comes after Chamorro defeated Magno Álvarez, who was supported by the influential Zacarías clan, in the party primaries.

The governor highlighted that the decision-making power for political renewal in Alto Paraná rests with him. He recalled his own successful campaign for governor, which many initially deemed a long shot, attributing his victory to his prior management experience as mayor of Santa Rita. Torres sees Chamorro's candidacy as a continuation of this push for change within the Colorado Party.