Paraguay's PLRA seeks to lead opposition, demands humility from allies

The Liberal Radical Authentic Party (PLRA) in Paraguay is positioning itself to lead the opposition in upcoming municipal elections, with party president Alcides Riveros asserting the party's resurgence and demanding respect from allies. Riveros stated that the liberalism is regaining ground and will chart its own course.

Riveros detailed his recent tours across the country, noting a renewed sense of confidence among citizens. He cautioned other opposition groups that the PLRA expects to be recognized as the backbone of any alliance against the ruling Colorado Party (ANR). The PLRA insists on its right to present candidates nationwide, planning to consolidate its own slates before negotiating unity agreements.

Appealing for political maturity, Riveros asked allied sectors to set aside arrogant stances that he believes only serve to scatter votes and gift victories to the ruling party. He highlighted the PLRA's willingness to withdraw candidates in municipalities where victory is unlikely, expecting the same reciprocal action from smaller parties in districts where PLRA candidates hold a clear advantage. "If we are demonstrating maturity and in places where we cannot win, we withdraw; I expect that in the same way, where it is certain that the Liberal Party will win, opposition candidates will also withdraw and not be a divisive factor," he remarked.

For Riveros, repeating past mistakes of opposition fragmentation would lead to avoidable defeats in communes where a single, unified list could guarantee victory. He pointed to electoral data showing that nearly 58% of voters do not support the Colorado Party, with over half of that segment historically belonging to the PLRA's structure. Based on this, he argued it is time to shift from a defeatist narrative to one of ambition, aiming for the presidency.

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If we are demonstrating maturity and in places where we cannot win, we withdraw; I expect that in the same way, where it is certain that the Liberal Party will win, opposition candidates will also withdraw and not be a divisive factor.