Paraguayan Legislators Reject Lula's Remarks on War of the Triple Alliance

Paraguayan legislators have vehemently rejected statements made by Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva regarding the War of the Triple Alliance (1864-1870). Lula's comments, made to justify Brazil's military spending, suggested that Paraguay initiated the conflict by invading Brazil.

Raúl Latorre, President of Paraguay's Chamber of Deputies, called Lula's remarks "too light" and described the war as the "greatest tragedy of our history, the greatest genocide on our continent." He emphasized that the conflict resulted in the loss of 60% of Paraguay's population and 90% of its male population. Latorre noted that the war began with Brazil's military intervention in Uruguay and left Paraguay devastated.

Opposition senator Celeste Amarilla also criticized Lula, suggesting he should return historical artifacts stolen from Paraguay during the war. She alluded to past accusations of corruption against Lula, implying his historical interpretations might be similarly flawed.

Former Paraguayan national team goalkeeper José Luis Chilavet urged Brazilians to vote against Lula in the upcoming presidential elections, calling him ignorant of history and a "corrupt leftist" who lies. Opposition deputy Rubén Rubín echoed these sentiments, accusing Lula of attempting to "distort history" and allow others to rewrite it for convenience.

Senator Esperanza Martínez commented that Lula's statements reflect "remnants of imperialism that try to occupy" historical narratives, suggesting a pattern of external powers attempting to control historical interpretations.