Paraguayan Colorado Party factions in U.S. ask Cartes to reject ambassador nominee

Paraguayan Colorado Party branches in the United States are urging party president Horacio Cartes to reject the nomination of Estefanía Laterza as Paraguay's ambassador to the U.S. The party members expressed their strong opposition through a formal letter, citing concerns about Laterza's alignment with the ruling party and her perceived lack of experience for the crucial role.

The nomination, put forth by President Santiago Peña, aims to fill the vacancy left by Gustavo Leite, who stepped down from his ambassadorship to return to the Senate. Laterza, a career diplomat with ambassadorial rank, was formally presented to the Senate for constitutional agreement.

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We earnestly request your mediation with the fellow legislators in the Senate, to propose the rejection of the requested agreement.

However, Paraguayan Colorado Party representatives from New York, Miami, Westchester, New Jersey, and Washington D.C. voiced their "deep concern" in a letter dated August 17. They argue that while acknowledging Laterza's academic qualifications, the ambassadorship to the United States, a "most strategic" country for Paraguay, should be entrusted to someone who shares the convictions of the governing party. They have requested Cartes' mediation with Colorado senators to ensure the rejection of Peña's request for constitutional agreement.

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We consider that, regarding the representation to the most strategic country for the Paraguayan State, it is not advisable to delegate this responsibility to someone who does not share our convictions in representation of a Colorado government.