Mbappé Case: Rodríguez Criticizes Cartismo and Defends Freedom of Expression

Paraguayan congressman Guillermo Rodríguez has strongly defended Senator Celeste Amarilla's right to free expression following her controversial comments about French footballer Kylian Mbappé. Rodríguez asserted that Amarilla's statements do not amount to a crime and accused the ruling Colorado Party of exploiting the situation for political gain.

Speaking on the program "Mesa con EVP," Rodríguez argued that the senator's expressions are protected by freedom of speech. He cautioned that turning her remarks into a punishable offense would set a dangerous precedent, suggesting the debate extends beyond Amarilla to the broader limits of political discourse by representatives.

Rodríguez acknowledged that he might not personally agree with Amarilla's manner of expression but maintained it falls far short of criminal behavior. He suggested that while he might personally avoid similar statements due to potential political repercussions, this would be a matter of prudence, not legal prohibition. He also warned of a perceived attempt to "criminalize" legislative speech in Paraguay, drawing parallels to growing restrictions on individual liberties in some European countries and referencing George Orwell's concept of "Thought Police."

The congressman specifically criticized the Colorado Party, accusing its members of capitalizing on the controversy and French President Emmanuel Macron's reaction for opportunistic political attacks against Amarilla. He also questioned the National Foreign Ministry's response, implying the government should not have issued statements distancing itself from the senator's remarks.