Senator accuses councilors of complicity in Asunción budget approval

Senator Arnaldo Samaniego has sharply criticized fellow Colorado councilors in Asunción, labeling them "accomplices" for their alleged role in facilitating the approval of Mayor Oscar "Nenecho" Rodríguez's municipal budget. Samaniego, who is himself a pre-candidate for mayor representing a faction of the party, contends that the proposed budget for the 2025 fiscal year is a deliberate attempt to obscure the current administration's mismanagement and financial irregularities.

Speaking out via social media, Samaniego implored the councilors to reject the budget if a special session is convened. He framed the potential approval not just as a financial decision, but as a moral failing, stating that "approving the municipal budget is being complicit with the current and previous administration. The officialism intends to continue hiding the reality." This strong stance positions Samaniego as a vocal opponent of the ruling party's leadership and its handling of the capital city's finances.

This political maneuver occurs just a month before internal municipal elections, adding a layer of strategic maneuvering to the debate. While Samaniego's public statements are critical, some observers note a perceived "lukewarm tone" given the high stakes and his own party's internal divisions. The situation is further complicated by accusations that councilors on both sides of the internal party divide have previously overlooked or "whitewashed" irregularities in past budgets. The upcoming vote is therefore not just about the budget itself, but a crucial battleground in the ongoing power struggles within Paraguay's dominant political party, with significant implications for the future governance of Asunción.