Silence on Lula: Rubin Accuses Government of 'Legionaries' and Demands Day of Memory

Paraguayan congressman Rubén Rubin has strongly criticized the government of President Santiago Peña for its perceived silence in response to remarks by Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva concerning the War of the Triple Alliance. Rubin alleges that the government harbors "legionaries" who historically operate in favor of Brazil, hindering Paraguay's national interests.

Rubin expressed his lack of surprise at the government's quiet stance, stating that "legionaries" remain present in Paraguayan politics. He recalled instances of alleged subservience to Brazil, including a past espionage incident during the Jair Bolsonaro and Lula administrations, a perceived "surrender" during the renegotiation of Itaipú's Annex C under Mario Abdo Benítez, and ongoing obstacles to importing essential goods and exporting national products.

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This silence (of the Peña government) in my experience (...) I confirm and have no absolute doubt that it is because the legionaries are still present in Paraguayan politics.

"If the government is so lukewarm to stand firm against the stupidity Lula said, if a statement costs them to issue, how does the Paraguayan people think this government will negotiate the energy surplus with Itaipú?" Rubin questioned, highlighting concerns about future negotiations. He emphasized that this issue is not isolated to Lula but reflects a broader trend in Brazil and Argentina to downplay the devastation and plunder Paraguay suffered during the War of the Triple Alliance.

Rubin is pushing to reintroduce his bill, previously rejected by the Chamber of Deputies, to establish May 1st as a "National Day of Memory." The original proposal aimed to designate it as a "Day of Sovereignty," but the term was deemed too "strong" by some. The congressman believes this day is crucial for remembering and educating about the War of the Great Conflict, where Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay fought against Paraguay.

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If the government is so lukewarm to stand firm against the stupidity Lula said, if a statement costs them to issue, how does the Paraguayan people think this government will negotiate the energy surplus with Itaipú?