Paraguay's Peña Admits Shortcomings, Calls for Unity Amid Economic Success

Paraguayan President Santiago Peña has called for national unity, admitting that his administration has not done enough in its first three years. Addressing the bicameral Congress for his annual report, Peña acknowledged the need to "do more" for citizens in areas such as health, education, and infrastructure projects.

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I am the first to confess and say it loud and clear: Despite the progress, it is not enough, I had to do more and my ministers must do more and I promise you that I will not rest until the last day of my term to do more for Paraguayans.

Despite these self-criticisms, Peña celebrated Paraguay's economic achievements, declaring it the "best economic moment in its entire history." He cited consistent growth above 4% annually since 2023, a rate not seen since 2006-2008. The president also highlighted significant reductions in poverty, with overall poverty dropping from 19.6% to 16% and extreme poverty from 3.7% to 2.4% between 2022 and 2025. He noted that over 493,000 people have been lifted out of poverty during his term.

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We still have much to work on in health, in education, in commitments already made in works and medicines, sensitive areas with historical and emerging problems.

Peña urged the opposition and detractors within his own Colorado Party to overcome divisions, emphasizing that continued progress requires a united front. He stated that while economic numbers are strong, the work is far from over as long as citizens face hardship. The president's remarks aimed to balance a candid assessment of unmet needs with a proud presentation of economic successes, setting a tone of determined optimism for the remainder of his mandate.

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The year 2026 finds Paraguay at the best economic moment in its entire history and this is not a story, it is a reality. Never before have we had the economic numbers that we have today.