Paraguay Senate Considers Bill Allowing Ex-Presidents to Hold Public Office

A significant political maneuver is underway in Paraguay's Senate, with senators aligned with the ruling Colorado Party (Cartistas) preparing to push through a controversial project that could dramatically alter the political landscape. This legislation aims to regulate Article 189 of the National Constitution, specifically to enable former presidents of the Republic to run for active senator positions and to hold other public offices without explicit incompatibility, provided they receive authorization from the Senate. From our perspective at ABC Color, this move appears designed to benefit specific political figures within the party, raising questions about its true intent and fairness.

The project centers on two critical articles: "On Permission" and "On Resignation from Lifetime Senatorship." The proposed Article 7, "On Permission," suggests that lifetime senators would not face incompatibility issues when serving as Executive Ministers, ambassadors, or other public officials, requiring only permission from the Senate. Article 9, concerning resignation, would allow former presidents seeking elected office to renounce their lifetime senatorial status at least six months before general elections. Once accepted by the Senate, they would be eligible to run for elected positions, excluding the presidency itself.

“

The norm figures in the draft agenda of the ordinary session, scheduled for Wednesday. The bill focuses on two key articles: Article 7 “On Permission” and Article 9 “On Resignation from Lifetime Senatorship,” both related to the role that former presidents of the Republic may perform, whether they are enabled to hold elected or public office.

Crucially, this legislation appears crafted to exclude former presidents Fernando Lugo, who was impeached, and Federico Franco, who was not elected president. However, it would open the door for other former presidents, including Horacio Cartes, Nicanor Duarte Frutos, and Mario Abdo Benítez, to potentially re-enter public service under these new conditions. This selective application of the law is a point of significant contention and suggests a tailored approach to political eligibility.

While the majority opinion from the Legislation and Codification Commission favors the project's approval with modifications, a minority has called for its rejection. The debate highlights a fundamental tension between allowing experienced former leaders to contribute to public service and preventing the manipulation of constitutional provisions for political gain. At ABC Color, we believe that such significant changes to political eligibility rules should be subject to broad public scrutiny and debate, rather than being railroaded through by a party majority. The potential implications for the balance of power and the integrity of public office warrant careful consideration.

“

The version of the Legislation commission in Article 7 establishes that lifetime senators will not have incompatibility to serve as ministers of the Executive Power, ambassadors, or other public office for which they meet the requirements. It indicates that for this, they must request permission from the Senate of the Republic in their capacity as lifetime senators for such purposes.