Paraguay's PLRA withdraws Minga Guazú candidacy, backs 'Yo Creo' contender

In Minga Guazú, Alto Paraná, Paraguay, the Liberal Radical Authentic Party (PLRA) has decided to withdraw its mayoral candidacy and endorse Mónica Ramírez, the candidate from the "Yo Creo" movement. This decision aims to consolidate the opposition against the ruling party.

Originally, the PLRA's candidate, Blás Báez, was running under the "Alianza Minga Guazú en Primer Lugar" banner. His withdrawal reduces the number of contenders, but the opposition vote is still fragmented. "Cruzada Nacional" has put forward Celia Enríquez as its candidate, and the "Partido Mboriahu Memby," led by Celso Miranda “Kelembú,” is backing Mabel Meza.

Minga Guazú, along with Presidente Franco, has been a focal point of conflict among opposition factions in Alto Paraná. The situation is further complicated by the history of the current mayor, Diego Almicar Ríos Llano. Elected in 2021 under the "Yo Creo" banner, Ríos later switched allegiance to the Colorado Party and its "Honor Colorado" movement in 2024, reportedly seeking political protection amid corruption allegations. Ríos attempted to seek re-election within the Colorado Party but lost the primary to a "cartista" candidate.