Paraguayan Politicians Clash Over Ex-President's Endorsement of Mayoral Candidate

A political alliance between former Paraguayan President Mario Abdo Benítez and Camilo Pérez, a candidate for mayor of Asunción, has ignited a fierce internal conflict within the ruling Colorado Party. While some see the move as a strategic bid for unity, others vehemently oppose it, highlighting deep divisions within the party.

Congressman Daniel Centurión lauded the meeting, describing it as a demonstration of "political maturity" from Abdo Benítez. He emphasized the need for a "frank, fraternal, and programmatic" union of the party's faction supporting Pérez, known as Lista 1, for the upcoming October municipal elections. Centurión stated that the initiative came from Pérez's Asunción capital team, aiming to consolidate support for the election.

However, Senator Yamil Esgaib sharply criticized Abdo Benítez's involvement, labeling him a "traitor" and a "bad person." Esgaib believes Abdo's endorsement will cost votes, particularly in Asunción, and suggested that if justice were functioning, the former president would be imprisoned for alleged corruption during his administration. Esgaib declared he would not have pursued such an alliance, stating that Abdo's support is less valuable than that of other party figures.

The "republican embrace" occurred as Abdo Benítez, leader of the Colorado Añetete movement, met with Pérez and Raúl Latorre, president of the Chamber of Deputies. This comes despite Abdo's earlier statements about being retired from politics. The internal party struggle underscores the challenges of consolidating power and presenting a united front in the lead-up to the October elections.