Paraguay Senate commission postpones vote on bill to activate former presidents as senators

The Senate's Constitutional Affairs Commission in Paraguay has punted on a contentious bill that would effectively reinstate former presidents Horacio Cartes and Nicanor Duarte Frutos as active senators, a move that has drawn sharp criticism from opposition and dissident Colorado factions. This delay, however, does little to quell fears that the ruling party, known for its strong parliamentary control, might push the legislation through the full Senate despite the lack of a committee endorsement.

At the heart of the controversy is the attempt to circumvent constitutional limitations. Critics, like Senator Líder Amarilla, argue that the bill doesn't merely interpret the constitution but actively contradicts it. The core issue is allowing former presidents, who are constitutionally designated as lifetime senators, to assume active roles with voting power and influence, potentially placing them in the line of presidential succession. This, Amarilla contends, can only be achieved through a formal constitutional reform, not through legislative maneuvering.

“

Con este proyecto de ley no se pretende interpretar la Constitución Nacional, sino que se pretende contradecirla

The commission's proceedings were marked by procedural disputes, including the absence of its titular president and the appointment of a substitute, which led to the withdrawal of Senator Yolanda Paredes. Senator Mario Varela's call for postponement further highlighted the deep divisions, emphasizing the lack of consensus. The ruling party's insistence on pushing this agenda, even without a committee's backing, signals a potential power play that many believe undermines democratic processes and the rule of law in Paraguay.

From our perspective at ABC Color, this situation underscores a recurring pattern of attempts to consolidate power and bend constitutional rules for political expediency. While the international community might view this as a domestic political squabble, for Paraguay, it represents a critical juncture in upholding constitutional integrity and preventing the erosion of democratic checks and balances. The potential for former presidents to regain significant political influence through such legislative means is a matter of deep concern for the nation's political stability and the principle of limited executive terms.

“

La única forma en que se pueda modificar, tocar la Constitución Nacional solamente es a través de una reforma constitucional cuando se trata de asuntos electorales