Son of Parxin owner appointed to high-level World Bank role

President Santiago Peña of Paraguay has appointed Juan Manuel Maioli García to a significant representative position within the World Bank Group, a move that has drawn scrutiny due to Maioli's familial and professional connections. The presidential decree, dated August 14, places Maioli in roles representing Paraguay on the executive boards of key World Bank entities, including the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) and the International Development Association (IDA).

Maioli, an attorney, previously served as an advisor in the Civil Cabinet of the Presidency, earning a salary of approximately 20 million Paraguayan guaranis. His public profile increased due to his strong links to political and business circles, particularly those associated with the 'cartismo' movement. He was previously affiliated with "Barriocanal Abogados," where he worked alongside Mario Balbuena, a former director in the Asunción municipality.

The appointment is particularly notable as Juan Manuel Maioli is the son of the owner of Geolatina, a company that was part of the Parxin consortium. Parxin was responsible for Paraguay's suspended paid parking system. Suspicions regarding the connections between Parxin and prominent figures of the 'cartismo' movement persist, despite repeated denials of any direct link between the company and former President Horacio Cartes.

In his new capacity, Maioli will serve as Paraguay's representative for the jurisdiction encompassing Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Paraguay, Peru, and Uruguay. This appointment is for a one-year term, succeeding economist Carolina María Avello León. The selection of Maioli, described as one of the government's 'favorites,' continues to fuel discussions about political influence in key governmental and international appointments.