Convicted of corruption, man appointed to lead Asunción's urban services

Asunción's mayor, Luis Bello, has appointed Víctor Basualdo Ramírez as the new director of Urban Services, a decision that has drawn strong criticism and rejection from the Municipal Council. Basualdo carries a conviction for his role as an accomplice in a corruption scheme that resulted in the illicit diversion of G. 18.3 billion (approximately $2.5 million) from the Central Governorate.

The appointment, confirmed via a note from Basualdo to the Municipal Council, seeks to replace Máximo Medina, who had been serving in an interim capacity. Basualdo requested an extension to attend a council summons, citing his recent designation. The news was met with significant opposition from council members, particularly from the opposition bloc, who formally expressed their categorical rejection of Basualdo's appointment.

Councilors argued that appointing an individual with a criminal record to a sensitive directorial position within the municipality is unacceptable. Basualdo Ramírez has a firm conviction for two years of suspended prison time for offenses including breach of trust and criminal association. His conviction stemmed from his involvement in a corruption scheme within the Central Governorate during the tenure of former governor Hugo Javier González.

The prosecution had alleged that between March 2019 and December 2020, the Central Governorate improperly disbursed G. 24.4 billion to private non-profit entities for 51 projects. The Public Ministry determined this caused a patrimonial loss exceeding G. 18.3 billion, with no supporting documentation to trace the funds' destination. Basualdo Ramírez served as Secretary of Economic Development during this period.