Lilian Samaniego meets with Cartes after weeks of criticism against the former president

Senator Lilian Samaniego met with Horacio Cartes, the president of the ruling Colorado Party (ANR), on August 20, 2026, following several weeks of sharp public criticism directed at the former president and current party leader. The meeting has fueled speculation of a potential "republican embrace" within the party.

The specifics of their discussion remain undisclosed, but sources suggest the meeting focused on the "reality of the party" and preparations for "upcoming elections." It is unclear whether Samaniego, a prominent figure in the party's dissident faction, requested the meeting or if Cartes initiated it.

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to be for all Colorados and not just one movement.

On social media, Samaniego stated she asked the ANR president "to be for all Colorados and not just one movement." This comment follows her earlier strong criticisms where she accused Cartes of transforming the party headquarters into "the command post of Honor Colorado," his dominant political faction.

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the command post of Honor Colorado

Samaniego, who is seeking the presidential nomination for 2028, had previously asserted her candidacy was superior to those backed by the "cartismo," "abdismo," and "velazquismo" factions. She emphasized her independence, stating, "Lilian Samaniego has no bosses. She has comrades in cause."

During a recent press conference, Samaniego recalled her tenure as ANR president during the "llanura" period, asserting that her administration prioritized the party over specific movements. She highlighted that under her leadership, the Colorado Party regained the presidency. However, she now accuses Cartes of using the party as a political tool for his own movement.

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Lilian Samaniego has no bosses. She has comrades in cause.