Paraguay opposition parties forge alliance for Pilar mayoral race

Opposition parties in Pilar, Paraguay, have united to challenge the ruling Colorado Party in the upcoming municipal elections. The Liberal Radical Auténtico Party (PLRA), Yo Creo, and allied forces officially formed an electoral alliance on Friday, presenting a single candidate for mayor.

Abel Espinoza of Yo Creo will run as the unified opposition candidate, after PLRA's mayoral aspirant, Luis Riveros, withdrew his candidacy to support Espinoza. They will face Emanuel Cuevas, the candidate from the National Republic Association (ANR), also known as the Colorado Party. The alliance seeks to consolidate opposition votes for the October 4th elections.

Espinoza outlined his platform, emphasizing a "new face for Pilar" through a management focused on the city's primary issues. Key proposals include modernizing the municipal landfill, transforming the slaughterhouse into a sanitary frigorific facility, implementing a consistent street maintenance plan, and boosting tourism. He envisions Pilar as a significant tourist hub, suggesting a ferry service to leverage the natural surroundings of the Ñeembucú capital.

The alliance's formation was attended by Senator Éver Villalba and Deputy Diosnel Aguilera of the PLRA, along with representatives from allied parties like Encuentro Nacional and council candidates. Deputy Aguilera stated the opposition's unity aims to offer a viable alternative to the Colorado Party's governance. Meanwhile, Cuevas has the backing of Vice President Pedro Alliana and other Colorado Party officials.