Paraguayan VP says 'time' will judge government's support for ex-IPS chief

As accusations of embezzlement totaling over G. 61 billion (approximately $8.3 million USD) surface at Paraguay's Social Security Institute (IPS), Vice President of the Chamber of Deputies Hugo Meza has stated that "time" will be the ultimate judge of the government's decision to support the now-imputed former IPS president, Jorge Brítez.

Meza, an ally of the ruling party, expressed his hope that the justice system will conduct a comprehensive investigation into the alleged damages. "Hopefully, justice will do its job, go to the last consequences, and whoever took the money, whoever embezzled, whoever administratively neglected proper procedure, will face their political and judicial consequences," Meza said, emphasizing that the case should not be left unresolved.

When questioned about the responsibility of current and previous administrations in backing Brítez, especially given prior suspicions of corruption, Meza conceded that "many things, many questions" have arisen in light of the current revelations. He suggested that "time will tell" about the government's role in supporting administrators, extending this acknowledgment to the previous administration as well.

Meza deflected direct questions about potential complicity of President Santiago Peña and former President Mario Abdo Benítez, stating that "ultimately, justice will decide that." The ongoing investigation involves former IPS presidents Vicente Battaglia and Jorge Brítez, with Brítez facing particular scrutiny due to the current administration's prolonged support.