Paraguay's Prosecutor General Demands 62% Budget Hike to Combat Crisis

The Paraguayan Public Ministry, under the leadership of Attorney General Emiliano Rolón Fernández, finds itself in a dire financial situation, described as "intensive care" by Rolón himself. In a recent meeting with President Santiago Peña and Economy Minister Óscar Lovera, Rolón laid bare the decade-long financial asphyxiation the institution has endured. Responsibilities have grown exponentially, yet the budget has remained frozen, creating a critical operational deficit.

“

the Public Ministry is financially in intensive care

Rolón emphasized the urgent need for a minimum 62% budget increase to enable the Fiscalía to function effectively. Currently, with just over 350 prosecutors, the institution falls drastically short of the estimated 700 needed to meet the country's demands. This insufficiency directly impacts operational capacity, leading to outdated technology, a scarcity of forensic experts, and overburdened laboratories and morgues. The consequence is a sluggish justice system where investigations are delayed, and justice is often served too late.

“

the institution has been suffering from financial asphyxiation for a decade

Compounding these issues are problems with cash flow planning and budget execution. Unlike other branches of government, the Fiscalía, since its separation from the Judiciary, lacks its own resources and is entirely reliant on allocations from the Executive. This dependency leaves it vulnerable to political and economic fluctuations. Despite these challenges, President Peña has publicly acknowledged the Fiscalía as a "key institution for justice and transparency" and has pledged to provide the necessary resources and support for its mission. However, the stark reality presented by Rolón underscores the significant hurdles that must be overcome to ensure the effective functioning of Paraguay's justice system.

“

the budgetary insufficiency directly impacts operational capacity