Paraguay's Liberal Party: No time for constitutional changes

Agustín Saguier, the newly appointed treasurer for Paraguay's Liberal Party (PLRA), has declared that the current political climate is unsuitable for debating constitutional amendments. He suggests that talk of changing the Magna Carta is merely a tactic to divert attention from more significant national problems.

Saguier lamented the intense political polarization in Paraguay, noting that individuals who report corruption are often harassed, creating division among citizens. "The polarization is serious, it's dangerous; one can no longer say anything. Many no longer have the possibility to report acts of corruption because they are subsequently harassed on social media," Saguier stated.

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The polarization is serious, it's dangerous; one can no longer say anything. Many no longer have the possibility to report acts of corruption because they are subsequently harassed on social media.

He emphasized that with municipal elections just 90 days away, followed by general elections, it is not the appropriate time to consider amending the constitution. "What is being said is to divert attention. We should talk about it later, because there will be other political figures. We have to talk about everything, but not now, there should be no fear," he added.

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What is being said is to divert attention. We should talk about it later, because there will be other political figures. We have to talk about everything, but not now, there should be no fear.

Regarding electoral reform, Saguier voiced strong support for a runoff voting system, known as "balotaje." He argued that it is essential for ensuring that governments are elected with more than 50 percent of the votes, as current practices often result in leaders governing with less than 40 percent support. "Balotaje is a necessity. It is important that the people elect their rulers with more than 50 percent of the votes," he said, recalling that the last president to achieve this was Cubas.

While some within the ruling Colorado Party, particularly deputy Yamil Esgaib, periodically raise the issue of constitutional reform, other legislators advocate for a more cautious approach, indicating that the topic has not been formally debated within their command.

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Balotaje is a necessity. It is important that the people elect their rulers with more than 50 percent of the votes.