Duarte Claims Surprise Dismissal Amidst Conflicting Reports of Resignation

The abrupt departure of Angie Duarte from the Ministry of Tourism (Senatur) has sent ripples through Paraguay's political and tourism circles. Duarte's assertion that her dismissal came as a "surprise" and that she was unaware of any impending changes, even while on official duty, contrasts sharply with the official decree signed by President Santiago Peña, which states her resignation. This discrepancy raises questions about the transparency and communication surrounding high-level government appointments and removals.

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No, la verdad es que no estaba al tanto. Fue una sorpresa también para mí recibir la llamada del ministro Javier (Giménez) al mediodía aproximadamente, estaba en San Bernardino trabajando hasta el último segundo. Y me tomó un poco de sorpresa.

President Peña's administration has moved swiftly to fill the vacancy, appointing Jacinto Santa María Ammatuna as the new executive secretary of Senatur. Santa María, who is married to former Vice Minister of Taxation Marta González, inherits the mandate to elevate Paraguay's tourism profile. His stated ambition, backed by a new strategic orientation from the President, is to transform Paraguay into a "world-class tourism referente" and the "first entertainment destination in South America by 2037."

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Yo creo que no tiene nada que ver la parte política, yo soy colorada desde mis inicios. Mi padre fue presidente de una seccional, la seccional 12, durante mi infancia, así provengo de una familia política. Entiendo que esto no tiene que ver con lo político, ya que soy una persona respetuosa y sobre todo siempre valoré mucho la gestión que realizó Camilo Pérez.

From the perspective of ABC Color, this situation highlights a recurring theme in Paraguayan politics: the often opaque nature of executive decisions. While Duarte, a figure with a clear political background, expresses shock, the administration's official narrative suggests a voluntary departure. The focus now shifts to Santa María's leadership and whether the ambitious tourism goals can be achieved under the new direction. The appointment itself, involving the spouse of a former high-ranking official, also invites scrutiny regarding potential political patronage, a common point of discussion in our national discourse.

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con su llegada se inicia un nuevo camino en la Senatur con el objetivo de convertir a Paraguay en un “referente turístico de clase mundial”.