Javier Ramírez takes over as interim minister of Tourism after resignation

Javier Eduardo Ramírez Valdez has officially taken over as the interim minister of Paraguay's National Secretariat of Tourism (Senatur). The appointment was formalized through Executive Decree N° 6568/26, signed by President Santiago Peña. This change in leadership follows the resignation of the previous minister, Jacinto Santa María Ammatuna.

The decree, also co-signed by acting Interior Minister Óscar Ocampos, expresses the Executive's gratitude to Santa María for his service. Ramírez Valdez will hold the rank of executive minister secretary of the Presidency during his interim tenure. This move comes after Santa María's brief but notable period leading the Senatur.

Ramírez Valdez is a seasoned public servant with a long history at Senatur, having been with the organization since 2007. Prior to his current appointment, he served as the Director General of Tourism Management. His previous roles within the institution include leadership positions in the Directorate General of Tourism Products and the Directorate of Tourism Services, equipping him with substantial technical expertise in the tourism sector.

Jacinto Santa María's tenure began in April of this year, succeeding Angie Duarte. His appointment had been met with surprise, despite official statements indicating Duarte's resignation. Santa María had made ambitious promises, including positioning Paraguay as a world-class tourist destination and establishing it as South America's premier entertainment hub by 2037, backed by a new strategic direction approved by President Peña.