Paraguay ruling party to block minister's interpellation over fatal crash

Paraguayan opposition lawmakers are seeking to question Public Works Minister Claudia Centurión following a fatal road accident that claimed six lives. The incident in Pedrozo involved a truck rolling over vehicles waiting at a traffic light at the base of a steep slope. Critics hold the minister responsible for the delayed construction of an overpass at the site, which was due in May, and for the continued use of a dangerous traffic light, which was only removed last week.

However, the ruling party's majority in the Chamber of Deputies has signaled their intention to prevent the interpellation. Alejandro Aguilera, deputy leader of the Honor Colorado bloc, stated that the interpellation is inappropriate and would politicize a tragic event. He argued that the focus should be on the justice system determining guilt, not on political maneuvering.

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It is not appropriate, from our point of view, to politicize a tragic event like the one that happened days ago, where some people died. Justice must determine who the culprits are.

Aguilera's stance contrasts with his previous strong criticism of Minister Centurión for allegedly prioritizing other departments over his own. He now suggests that the interpellation request is motivated by a desire to attack the government of Santiago Peña rather than by genuine concern over the accident. The President of the Chamber of Deputies, Raúl Latorre, has adopted a more evasive approach, stating the decision rests with the full chamber, while acknowledging the lack of sufficient votes to proceed.

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Trying to gain political advantage by striking at the government, using the death of innocents, is not appropriate.