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Rivas's resignation secures senator seat for 'Tony' Barrios

Rivas's resignation secures senator seat for 'Tony' Barrios

From ABC Color · (1h ago) Spanish Critical tone

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Senator Hernán David Rivas of Paraguay's ruling party has resigned amid allegations of irregularities concerning his law degree.
  • His resignation allows his substitute, Antonio Barrios, a close ally of former president Horacio Cartes, to secure a titular senator position.
  • The move is part of a broader political shuffle within the ruling Colorado Party, with another senator, Erico Galeano, also reportedly facing potential expulsion or resignation.

The resignation of Senator Hernán David Rivas, a member of the ruling Colorado Party and a close associate of Horacio Cartes, marks a significant development in Paraguayan politics. Rivas was reportedly forced out due to mounting irregularities surrounding his law degree, a situation that has drawn scrutiny from the Public Ministry and opposition factions. The Supreme Court of Justice's decision to annul the definitive dismissal of Rivas, allowing him to face trial for alleged fraud, underscores the seriousness of the accusations.

no existe afectación

— Ministers of the Supreme Court of JusticeThe ministers of the Supreme Court of Justice stated that there is no 'affectation' for the legislator, meaning he must now face trial for the two crimes he is accused of by the Prosecutor's Office.

With Rivas's departure, Antonio Barrios, the first substitute senator from the Colorado Party, is set to assume a titular position. Barrios, also aligned with the Honor Colorado movement, represents a continuation of the party's established power structures. This maneuver highlights the intricate internal dynamics of the ruling party, where loyalty to figures like Cartes often dictates political advancement.

The situation is further complicated by the potential resignation or expulsion of another Colorado Party senator, Erico Galeano. If Galeano also leaves his post, Ramón Retamozo, another substitute senator, would be next in line to assume a titular role. These shifts within the Senate reflect ongoing power plays and strategic realignments within the ruling party, particularly as it navigates accusations of impropriety and maintains its grip on legislative power.

se encargaría de su destitución del Ministerio Público si presentaba un recurso contra el fallo que sobreseyó al legislador

— Senator RivasIt is alleged that Senator Rivas threatened prosecutor Patricia Sánchez, stating he would ensure her removal from the Public Ministry if she filed an appeal against the ruling that dismissed the case concerning his law degree.

From our perspective at ABC Color, these events are not merely isolated incidents but symptomatic of deeper issues within the political landscape. While Western media might focus on the legal aspects or the potential for political instability, we emphasize the internal party machinations and the enduring influence of powerful figures like Cartes. The ability of these senators to retain or gain positions despite allegations speaks volumes about the resilience of certain political networks in Paraguay, a reality often underappreciated by international observers.

En caso de renuncia, inhabilidad, muerte o permiso de un miembro ya incorporado, lo sustituirá aquel que en la lista respectiva de suplentes de su partido o movimiento político figure en el orden de prelación.

— Article 163 of Law No. 834/96This article of the Electoral Code establishes the procedure for substituting senators in cases of resignation, disability, death, or leave, dictating that the substitute is determined by the order of precedence on the party's list of alternates.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ABC Color in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.