Minister Giménez wins key districts in San Pedro power struggle against Governor D’Ecclesiis

A fierce political rivalry between Paraguayan Agriculture Minister Carlos Giménez and San Pedro Governor Freddy D’Ecclesiis has spilled into local elections, revealing a deep split within the ruling Colorado Party (ANR-HC).

Preliminary election results show Giménez's supported candidates winning in nine key districts, narrowly surpassing the eight districts secured by candidates backed by Governor D’Ecclesiis. This internal party struggle for influence in San Pedro department has been ongoing, with the recent municipal primaries highlighting the deep divisions.

The conflict is not new. Giménez and D’Ecclesiis have a long-standing personal and political feud that has even led to legal battles. The latest electoral contest saw the rivalry extend to family members, with Giménez's sister, Emilse Giménez, winning a candidacy for mayor in Choré, defeating a candidate supported by the governor. In Santaní, the governor's brother, Christian D’Ecclesiis, lost his bid for mayor to a candidate backed by Minister Giménez.

While consensus was reached in five districts for the upcoming municipal elections on October 4, the broader dispute between the two powerful Colorado Party figures underscores the internal tensions within the party as it navigates regional power dynamics. The outcome of these local contests could signal shifts in political allegiances and influence within the San Pedro region.