Paraguayan Senator Accused of Undue Influence Over Itaipú Contract

Paraguayan Senator Celeste Amarilla has called for the removal of Senator Javier Zacarías Irún from office following the leak of an audio recording. In the recording, Irún allegedly offers a contract at the Itaipú Binacional dam to a political operator in exchange for electoral support in Ciudad del Este.

Amarilla, a member of the Authentic Radical Liberal Party (PLRA), described the incident as a "palpable case of undue influence." She pointed to Irún's words in the audio, where he suggests acting as a "secretary" to facilitate the contract, as evidence of his abuse of power. The senator argued that such actions, driven by the pursuit of votes, allow individuals like Irún to retain their positions, potentially at the expense of more capable and honest candidates.

The leaked audio reportedly features the political operator, Osvaldo Sánchez Jara, pressing Irún over unfulfilled promises. Irún's response, offering to secure a contract that was allegedly signed the following day, has intensified scrutiny on the senator and his family's involvement with Itaipú. Irún's brother, Justo “Lucho” Zacarías Irún, currently serves as the Paraguayan director of the binational entity.

Amarilla acknowledged that pursuing a vote of no confidence might be challenging, given the current political landscape and the potential for opposition senators to be outvoted. However, she emphasized the importance of taking a stand, even if such efforts are testimonial. She recalled her past experiences as a deputy, where she and her colleagues consistently filed such requests, prioritizing the act of denunciation over the likelihood of success.