Paraguay Ruling Party to Return 'Zero Hunger' Program to Controversial Governors

Paraguay's ruling Colorado Party intends to reinstate the administration of the "Hambre Cero" (Zero Hunger) program to the governors of Concepción, Liz Meza, and Alto Paraná, Cesar "Landy" Torres. Both governors had been previously excluded from managing the program following significant controversies.

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I believe the measure taken by the Senate already had its effect. The Comptroller General's Office is already conducting its analysis of correspondence.

Senator Natalicio Chase, leader of the Colorado Party bloc in the Senate, confirmed the party's stance. He indicated that a "previous analysis" suggests the Senate will accept the version of the bill passed by the Chamber of Deputies. This bill aims to return the program's administration to the aforementioned governors. Chase stated that the measure taken by the Senate previously "had its effect" and that the Comptroller General's Office is now conducting its analysis.

Meza, the governor of Concepción, lost her administrative role in March after facing severe criticism for the extravagant 15th birthday celebration of her daughter. The lavish party, which showcased considerable wealth, drew public ire given that Concepción is the department with the highest poverty rate in the country. Torres, the governor of Alto Paraná, faced a more political reason for his removal. His exclusion was reportedly a "punishment" for supporting his own candidates for municipal elections, disregarding the official contenders favored by the Honor Colorado movement.

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The party's stance is to maintain it as it is currently managed, which corresponds to the Executive and the governorships.

Chase dismissed the possibility of supporting a proposal that would transfer the administration of "Hambre Cero" to municipalities. He reiterated the party's position to maintain the current structure, where the program is managed by the executive branch and the governorships. He also stated that it is not the Senate's role to investigate potential diversions of funds, emphasizing that other entities are responsible for such analyses.

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We can have doubts but other entities have to do the corresponding analyses.