Cartistas appoint Díaz Verón, brother of ex-prosecutor accused of money laundering, to Judiciary

Paraguay's ruling Colorado Party and its allies have appointed Pedro “Pipo” Díaz Verón and re-elected Mario Varela as titular representatives of the Senate to the Judiciary of Impeachment (JEM). Díaz Verón's appointment comes in the same week his brother, former Attorney General Javier Díaz Verón, was scheduled to face trial for illicit enrichment and money laundering. This appointment has drawn criticism, particularly as the JEM itself faces scrutiny for its handling of judges and prosecutors.

The decision was made with 30 votes, replacing Derlis Maidana, who now becomes a substitute. Natalicio Chase, leader of the Colorado Party bloc, proposed Díaz Verón for the titular position. The JEM, an entity often questioned for its role in clearing judges and prosecutors, is currently presided over by former Court Minister Alicia Pucheta. The body has also been embroiled in scandals, including that of former senator Hernán Rivas, who allegedly held a law degree obtained fraudulently.

Opposition senators voiced strong objections to the appointments. Líder Amarilla of the PLRA accused the ruling party of violating the National Constitution by disregarding the principle of pluralism. Yolanda Paredes of Cruzada Nacional condemned the Colorado Party's use of its majority to impose candidates and steer the opposition, urging the appointees to address corruption among judges and prosecutors. Celeste Amarilla of the PLRA criticized the ruling party's control over debate, describing their majority as lacking in quality and prone to blindly following directives.