Loan for MOPC: 'When will it be our turn?' asks ruling party deputy Aguilera

A debate over a $75 million loan for rural road construction has exposed rifts among Paraguayan lawmakers, with some deputies demanding to know when their constituents will see benefits. The proposed credit for the Ministry of Public Works and Communications (MOPC) has become a point of contention, particularly between senators and deputies from the ruling ANR-HC party.

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When will it be our turn?

Deputy Alejandro Aguilera, representing Guairá, voiced frustration, asking, "When will it be our turn?" He clarified that the issue is not a political fight but a matter of proper procedure and communication from the MOPC. Aguilera stated that deputies need the minister to explain the project's development and other priority projects before they can consider approving the loan.

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It was a matter of form, it was a lack of communication from the MOPC.

Aguilera asserted that deputies are not trying to reject the loan but want to analyze it thoroughly, similar to the Senate's process. He suggested Senator Silvio "Beto" Ovelar personalized the project due to political jealousy, a sentiment not shared by the deputies. Aguilera highlighted that the Chamber of Deputies has approved 100% of projects from the Executive Branch and expects respect and time for their review.

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If there is a political issue, the senator personalized the project out of political jealousy, and that does not exist in the Chamber of Deputies.

He stressed that Minister Claudia Centurión must appear before the Chamber of Deputies to address their concerns. Deputies need to understand how the funds will be used and why certain departments were prioritized over others, such as Guairá, which also requires infrastructure improvements. Aguilera emphasized that deputies represent their departments and must advocate for their needs, including road improvements, which are long-standing commitments.

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She must come to explain what will be done with that money, why those departments were chosen and not, for example, Guairá and other departments that also need infrastructure.