Paraguayan deputies accused of piggybacking on national team's success, retain 'Chamber of Shame' label

Paraguay's Chamber of Deputies has approved a resolution to jointly recognize the national football team's performance in the 2026 World Cup, a move criticized as an attempt to capitalize on the team's success while the legislature itself is mired in inaction.

Deputies plan a joint ceremony with the Senate to honor the Albirroja players, coaching staff, and the Paraguayan Football Association (APF). However, legislator Rocío Vallejo lamented that a majority of deputies are often absent or block information requests, earning the chamber the moniker "Chamber of Shame."

Vallejo criticized the current deputies, comparing them unfavorably to the national team's defenders. She stated that, similar to previous weeks, they are blocking basic information requests, hindering transparency. This occurred even during an extraordinary session where the full agenda was not completed.

Specifically, a majority blocked a request for the list of external lawyers at Itaipú Binacional. Vallejo cited allegations that individuals with serious criminal records are employed there. She questioned why the truth is being hidden and why these "useless" individuals are paid exorbitant salaries, especially while minimum wage is insufficient for many citizens.

Vallejo concluded that Paraguay is not a land of wonders but one of inequality, privilege, and protection for "delinquent peers," highlighting the contrast between the national team's achievements and the legislature's perceived failures.

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This cannot continue... We are the Chamber of Shame again, we have been for a long time, but I believe we deserve the nickname again. We have crossed all limits, cheering and celebrating when we are 41 out of 80 (minimum quorum) to start a session, rejecting requests for information that are our constitutional attributions