Paraguayan Deputies to discuss budget committee formation and donation approval

The Chamber of Deputies in Paraguay is set to convene for an extraordinary session this Monday, aiming to tackle a packed agenda that includes the formation of the Bicameral Budget Committee and the approval of a significant donation. This session is a rescheduled attempt after a previous meeting failed to achieve quorum, leaving several key points unaddressed.

A primary focus will be the delegation of authority to the board for appointing members to the Bicameral Budget Committee for 2027. A central debate expected during this process involves the salary increase demands of doctors. Although the Chamber of Deputies holds the presidency of the Bicameral Committee this year, the ultimate decision-making power rests with the Senate, as the reviewing chamber.

Following the budget committee discussions, the deputies will consider a draft law approving a grant agreement, specifically donation No. TF0C9037 from the GFPP for the preparation of the "Itapúa Logistics and Transport Infrastructure Project." The donation amounts to US$1 million and is earmarked for socio-environmental studies and plans related to potential works in the Itapúa department. This funding is intended for assessments and audits, not for the direct construction of roads or infrastructure.

This US$1 million donation, while not constituting new debt for the country, is seen by some as a "reward" for the Minister of Public Works and Communications, Claudia Centurión, who has faced scrutiny. Her interpellation is also slated for discussion in the ordinary session on Tuesday. The donation's justification mentions plans for improving and rehabilitating the road network, including approximately 310 km of roads in Itapúa, but the allocated funds are strictly for preliminary studies, environmental and social assessments, and administrative management.