Paraguayan Senator Calls Comptroller, Ombudsman Hearings a 'Clown Show'

Senator Yolanda Paredes of Cruzada Nacional has strongly criticized the ongoing public hearings for the appointment of Paraguay's Comptroller and Ombudsman, labeling them a "show" and a "farce" orchestrated by the dominant "cartismo" political faction. Paredes asserted that the appointments are already decided, with candidates possessing characteristics similar to those of former senator Hernán Rivas being pre-selected for the roles.

“

From the moment this so-called public spectacle began, I told my colleagues to stop lending themselves to this clown show. Stop lending yourselves to this farce of democracy in Paraguay.

Paredes specifically targeted the potential reappointment of Camilo Benítez as Comptroller, describing his tenure as "absolutely functional" in covering up corruption. She argued that Benítez has not initiated any significant investigations, which aligns with the system maintained by the Colorado Party, the core of the "cartismo" movement. The senator also claimed that her own denunciations against former mayors Miguel Prieto and Óscar "Nenecho" Rodríguez were mere "simulacra" orchestrated by "cartismo."

“

Camilo will be reconfirmed in the position because he has the same characteristics as former senator Hernán Rivas, that is, he is functional to cartismo.

"I tell the candidates who are presenting themselves to stop legitimizing a farce, an absolutely null act," Paredes stated, addressing those seeking the positions. She urged the Liberal Party, as the leading opposition force, to take a more assertive stance. "I have told the Liberals a thousand times, what if we look for an opposition candidate and go for it? I tell the Liberal Party... to have firmer positions," she urged.

“

I tell the candidates who are presenting themselves to stop legitimizing a farce, an absolutely null act.

Paredes expressed deep irritation with the "spectacle" of the hearings, particularly with candidates who participate to lend a veneer of democratic legitimacy to what she considers a predetermined outcome. The first public hearing for candidates seeking the positions of Ombudsman and Deputy Ombudsman is scheduled to begin soon, adding another layer to the political maneuvering.

“

I have told the Liberals a thousand times, what if we look for an opposition candidate and go for it? I tell the Liberal Party... to have firmer positions.