Senado de Paraguay

The president of the Paraguayan Congress, Basilio “Bachi” Núñez, announced he will present an electoral reform bill to allow each voter to vote for up to two candidates from the same party list, expanding the current system of open closed lists. The proposal will first be debated in the Governing Board of the Colorado Party.

The Authentic Radical Liberal Party (PLRA) has called for this Monday (19) an expanded meeting of the Political Committee, amid allegations of internal movements regarding supposed irregularities in the electoral process of the internal elections scheduled for June 7, 2026. Opposition sectors claim exclusion of proxies and audit technicians from voting machines and announce their own parallel vote counting system.

Rocío Ojeda, former director of the Animal Protection Commission of the National Congress, denounces that she was dismissed without formal justification and without access to the administrative process, despite having job stability and suffering from multiple sclerosis. She says she continues to work her hours while awaiting the end of her notice period on May 30, and that the President of Congress, Basilio Bachi Núñez, said he was unaware of the case.

Paraguay's Minister of Interior, Enrique Riera, denied rumors that he would return to the Senate, stating that President Santiago Peña asked him to remain in office. Riera also commented on the upcoming internal municipal elections and the ministry's stance of party neutrality.

The General Comptroller's Office of the Republic (CGR) of Paraguay has initiated an administrative proceeding against former senator Javier “Chaqueñito” Vera for failing to submit his sworn declaration of assets and income after leaving office. The fine may reach 100% of the salary he received.

The president of the Paraguayan Congress, Basilio "Bachi" Núñez, defended the reliability of electronic voting machines and opened the door for an audit of academic degrees and employee bonuses, amid criticism from the opposition.

Appeals Court confirms rejection of former senator Erico Galeano's appeal, sentenced to 13 years for money laundering and criminal association. With the decision, the Sentencing Court may schedule a hearing to decide on preventive detention.

Senator Celeste Amarilla (PLRA) strongly criticized the Senate Board for dedicating time to symbolic projects, such as declaring the 'National Day of Vori Vori', while the country faces a public health crisis, lack of medicines, and corruption allegations, especially at the Institute of Social Welfare (IPS).

Paraguay's Comptroller General's Office has initiated a summary proceeding against former Senator Javier 'Chaqueñito' Vera for failing to submit his sworn asset declaration within the legal 15-business-day deadline after leaving office. Vera claims forgetfulness and says he is organizing the documentation, while the Comptroller's Office warns that the fine could reach 100% of his salary, depending on the days of delay.

Paraguay's Appeals Court is set to rule on an appeal that could lead to the pretrial detention of former Senator Erico Galeano, sentenced to 13 years for money laundering and criminal association. The defense is trying to avoid imprisonment, while the Public Prosecutor's Office is requesting immediate detention.

President Santiago Peña called for judicial cases involving legislators to be treated with the same criteria, regardless of party, while commenting on the situations of former senators Erico Galeano and Hernán Rivas. He also supported the work of ANEAES in reviewing university degrees.

President Santiago Peña refused to comment on the departure of former Colorado senators Erico Galeano and Hernán Rivas, both involved in serious judicial scandals, as the government tries to contain political damage. At an event in Presidente Hayes, Peña preferred to address the controversy over the military parade and the critical situation of the Social Security Institute (IPS).

With a fictive sanction date of May 21, the Chamber of Deputies must vote on a bill aimed at curbing the so-called 'Promissory Note Mafia,' a scheme that executes multiple collections with the same document. The proposal, drafted jointly with the Supreme Court, includes the custody of original titles in the courts and automatic return to the debtor after payment.

Senator Esperanza Martínez denounces resistance from the ruling party to the creation of a special commission to investigate up to 2,500 suspected university degrees, following the scandal of former senator Hernán Rivas that exposed a possible fraud network that may have benefited public office holders, including within the justice system.

For the second consecutive week, the Paraguayan Chamber of Deputies includes on its agenda a bill declaring bull runs (torín) as traditional and cultural heritage. The initiative, already approved by the Senate, faces strong opposition from the National Directorate for Animal Defense, Health and Welfare and civil organizations, which consider it incompatible with the law recognizing animals as sentient beings.

The Paraguayan Senate approved a bill modifying the commuter train law, allowing execution via a direct agreement with the United Arab Emirates and excluding the application of concession, PPP, and public procurement laws. The text now goes to the Chamber of Deputies amid opposition criticism over transparency and costs.

The Paraguayan Senate's Committee on Science, Technology, Innovation and the Future approved the unification of proposals from the Executive and the Chamber of Deputies to tighten the ban on cell phones and electronic devices in public, private, and subsidized schools throughout the school day, with exceptions for emergencies, authorized pedagogical activities, and students with disabilities. The text now moves to the floor for consideration.