Constitutionalist: Peña's Silence on Lula's Remarks Lacks Justification, Undermines Diplomatic Defense

Constitutionalist Hugo Estigarribia has strongly criticized the administration of Paraguayan President Santiago Peña for its silence in response to controversial statements made by Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva concerning the War of the Triple Alliance. Estigarribia asserts that the executive branch is neglecting its constitutional duty to conduct foreign policy and vigorously defend Paraguay's historical narrative and diplomatic standing. He highlighted that Peña's government has previously reacted swiftly to less significant diplomatic issues, making the current inaction particularly perplexing. "Before, it reacted for much less," Estigarribia stated, recalling a time when the government summoned the French ambassador over comments deemed minor, contrasting it with the current silence on remarks that "affect the history of Paraguay."

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Before, it reacted for much less.

Estigarribia further argued that, according to diplomatic protocol, Paraguay should recall its ambassador from Brazil for consultations, a measure previously employed by this administration during a spying incident with Brazil. "This government has used these tools before. Now it simply decides not to," he observed. The constitutionalist emphasized that the issue transcends historical debate, as the Constitution clearly assigns the executive branch the responsibility for managing foreign relations. Remaining silent, he believes, signals weakness to a neighboring country and implies that Paraguay cannot accept being portrayed as an aggressor. He also noted that official figures like Raúl Latorre and Basilio Núñez have spoken out individually, while the executive branch avoids taking an institutional stance.

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This government has used these tools before. Now it simply decides not to.

The lack of a clear diplomatic explanation for this passivity has led Estigarribia to suggest that political and economic interests might be influencing the government's silence. He pointed to the significant economic ties between Paraguay and Brazil, including the Itaipú Binacional hydroelectric plant, investments attracted by the Maquila Law, and President Peña's close relationship with the Trump administration, which he believes creates tensions with Lula da Silva's government. This complex web of relationships, Estigarribia implies, may be deterring Paraguay from issuing a strong official response.

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Paraguay cannot accept being presented as an aggressor country. The historical discussion corresponds to specialists, but diplomatic defense corresponds exclusively to the Government.