Senate rejects creating courts due to lack of funds in Prosecutor's Office and Public Defender's Office

Paraguay's Senate has rejected a proposal to establish new judicial bodies in the Caaguazú department, citing a critical lack of funds within the Ministry of Public Affairs. The proposal, which sought to create four specialized courts, a fiscal unit, a public defender's office, and a bankruptcy trusteeship in the Yhú district, was sent back to the Chamber of Deputies. Senator Derlis Maidana, representing the Legislation Commission, explained that while the initiative aimed to decentralize justice in Caaguazú, the rejection was based purely on budgetary reasons. The proposed expansion of judicial services, including the creation of a new fiscal unit, would necessitate significant investment in personnel, infrastructure, and equipment. Maidana recommended that any future expansion of these services should be accompanied by corresponding budgetary provisions, suggesting that such planning should be integrated into the National Public Budget for 2027. Mario Varela also adhered to the rejection, despite a favorable opinion from the Supreme Court of Justice. This decision comes amid ongoing controversy in Congress regarding the creation of new courts. Opposition senators have frequently alleged that certain legislators, particularly from the Zacarías Irún clan, promote the establishment of these bodies to place loyal magistrates and prosecutors in key positions, thereby ensuring impunity. However, in this instance, all senators agreed on the rejection of the project.

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although the initiative seeks the decentralization of justice in the department of Caaguazú, they requested the rejection for budgetary reasons.