Paraguai

Infrastructure · May 18, 2026, 7:54 PM MOPC Maintains Detours on Silvio Pettirossi Avenue for Future Corridor Works

Paraguay's Ministry of Public Works and Communications (MOPC) informed that temporary detours on Silvio Pettirossi Avenue, between Elizardo Aquino and Ñu Guasu avenues, remain in effect for the construction of the foundation heads of the viaduct for the Las Residentas road corridor. The measure, expected to last about ten days, alters traffic in both directions and requires increased driver attention.

Society · May 18, 2026, 6:50 PM Guarani Appreciation Reduces Customs Revenue and Challenges Fiscal Projections in Paraguay

The strong appreciation of the guarani against the dollar, with the exchange rate near G. 6,000, is reducing the tax base on imports and pressuring revenue for the National Directorate of Tax Revenues (DNIT). Director Óscar Orué states that although import volume grew 5.2% in dollars through April, the 20.5% depreciation of the US currency caused the taxable base in guarani to fall 16.2%, mainly affecting the customs component. DNIT maintains its revenue projection for 2026, betting on strengthened oversight and better performance of internal taxes to offset losses.

Society · May 18, 2026, 5:48 PM PLRA Denounces Flaws in Electronic Voting Machines and Plans Parallel Control for June 7 Internal Elections

Internal movements of the Authentic Radical Liberal Party (PLRA) have warned of irregularities in the use of voting machines in the internal elections scheduled for June 7, including problems in contracting, lack of technical audit, and absence of oversight in the preparation of equipment. Senator Éver Villalba announced that the party will implement a parallel control system, with the participation of voters themselves and its own TREP.

Infrastructure · May 18, 2026, 5:39 PM After three months of delay, third-year students at CTN return to in-person classes amid unfinished construction

Third-year students at the Colégio Técnico Nacional (CTN) finally began in-person classes this Monday, after nearly three months of delay due to infrastructure works financed by Itaipú and executed by the MEC. The works, still incomplete, sparked protests and reports of theft of materials. About 500 students returned to classrooms, while 1,000 first- and second-year students continue with virtual learning.

Security & Justice · May 18, 2026, 5:28 PM Prosecutor's Office Seeks 6-Year Prison Sentence for Ramón González Daher for Perjury

Paraguay's Public Ministry on Monday requested a 6-year prison sentence for former sports executive Ramón González Daher, accused of lying under oath in 2021 during a defamation lawsuit filed by Conmebol president Alejandro Domínguez. The defense claims the defendant invented a voluntary resignation from the vice presidency of the Paraguayan Football Association (APF), but official documents show he was removed for failing a fitness exam.

Security & Justice · May 18, 2026, 4:58 PM Prosecutor's Office Seeks 6-Year Prison Sentence for Ramón González Daher for Perjury

Prosecutor Andrea Vera requested on Monday (18) the conviction of former sports executive Ramón González Daher to 6 years in prison for perjury during the closing arguments of the trial. González Daher, who is already serving a 15-year sentence for aggravated usury, money laundering, and false accusation, is accused of lying about the reasons for his departure from the Paraguayan Football Association (APF) in testimony given in 2021.

Security & Justice · May 18, 2026, 4:38 PM Fifth suspect arrested for murder of German woman in Paso Yobái

The National Police of Paraguay arrested Daniel Pereira Medina, 31, as the fifth suspect in the homicide of German citizen Olga Brodkorb, which occurred on April 26, 2026, in the Planchada community, Paso Yobái, Guairá department. The arrest was carried out this Monday (18) by agents of the Guairá Regional Crime Investigation Department, under the order of prosecutor Rocío Raquel Rivas. With this capture, the number of detainees in the case rises to five, including Juan Alberto Rodas García, Eleno Fonseca, Venancio Trinidad González, and Darío Aguilar Saucedo. The investigation indicates that the group, described as amateur criminals, allegedly planned a robbery at the victim's residence, but the plan went wrong when Brodkorb unexpectedly returned, resulting in a fatal confrontation. The victim was killed with a gunshot to the head. After the crime, the suspects fled with the victim's car, a white 2023 Chevrolet Onix Joy, which was found incinerated on a rural road near Arroyo Morotí. During previous searches, police seized more than 17 million guaranis in cash, a .22 caliber rifle, cell phones, motorcycles, and clothing. Authorities do not rule out further arrests.

Politics · May 18, 2026, 3:30 PM Former Congress Director with Multiple Sclerosis Denies Unjustified Dismissal and Alleges Political Interference

Rocío Ojeda, former director of the Animal Care and Protection Commission of the National Congress of Paraguay, reported being dismissed on April 17 without an administrative process or formal explanation, despite suffering from multiple sclerosis. She alleges that her position was assigned to a political operator linked to Senator Rocío Abed, raising suspicions of partisan criteria in legislative administration.

Security & Justice · May 18, 2026, 3:05 PM MTESS Regulates Mandatory Implementation of Digital Labor Books in Paraguay

Paraguay's Ministry of Labor, Employment and Social Security (MTESS) issued Resolution No. 462/2026, regulating the mandatory adoption of Labor Information Books in digital format, with gradual implementation between August 17 and 28, 2026. The measure aims to modernize labor records, strengthen legal certainty, and promote formal employment, with fines of 10 to 30 minimum wages for employers who fail to comply.

Society · May 18, 2026, 2:20 PM Martín Burt: Paraguay Can Drastically Reduce Poverty in a Few Years

Economist and former mayor of Asunción, Martín Burt, stated that Paraguay has the conditions to significantly reduce poverty in the short term, focusing on employment, education, and comprehensive support for vulnerable families. He highlighted the country's macroeconomic stability and natural resources, as well as official data showing that more than 213,000 Paraguayans left poverty in 2025 and extreme poverty stands at 2.4%.

Security & Justice · May 18, 2026, 11:30 AM Police identify suspect in double homicide in Cambyretá; drug trafficker is at large

The National Police of Paraguay identified Gustavo Rubén Goncalvez Vera, 31, as the main suspect in the double homicide that occurred on May 16 in Colônia Paraná, district of Cambyretá, department of Itapúa. The victims are Francisco Alcides Saucedo Quiñónez, 28, and Brian Ariel Lugo, 24. After searches in Encarnación, the suspect was not located, but police seized cocaine, weapons, and ammunition at his residence.

Security & Justice · May 18, 2026, 10:19 AM Pavo Real Py II Case: Alexandre Rodrigues Gomes to Face Oral Trial from June 3

The Specialized Court for Organized Crime has set June 3, 2026, as the start date for the oral trial of Alexandre Rodrigues Gomes, accused of international drug trafficking, money laundering, and criminal association. The defendant was arrested in August 2024, on the same day his father, Congressman Eulalio “Lalo” Gomes, died in a confrontation with police during simultaneous operations.

Security & Justice · May 18, 2026, 9:20 AM IPS Removes 817 Medications and Supplies from Vademecum and Initiates Audit of Contracts and Rentals

Paraguay's Social Security Institute (IPS) announced the exclusion of 817 medications and supplies from its vademecum as part of a broad administrative and financial review. The measure aims to eliminate obsolete or unproven products, while the institution faces reports of shortages and irregularities in purchases and property management. IPS President Isaías Fretes and Executive Branch Auditor General Alberto Cabrera lead the audit covering rental contracts, properties, and inventories.

World · May 18, 2026, 9:01 AM Operation Omega: Lawyer Arrested in Santa Rita on Suspicion of Selling Child Sexual Abuse Material via Cryptocurrencies

A lawyer was detained this Monday (18) in Santa Rita, Alto Paraná, during Operation Omega, an international action against child sexual exploitation. He is suspected of storing, distributing, and selling child sexual abuse material, receiving payments in cryptocurrencies. The investigation, which began in 2019, analyzed over 35,000 files and may lead to further arrests abroad.

Security & Justice · May 18, 2026, 12:25 AM Prosecutor's Office Denies Confirmation of Sexual Abuse in Filicide Case in Lambaré

The Public Prosecutor's Office clarified that there is no confirmation that the 7-year-old boy, found dead alongside his mother in Lambaré, was a victim of sexual abuse, as alleged by the mother in a complaint filed in December 2024. A medical examination ruled out physical injuries and signs of sexual violence, and the child did not attend scheduled psychological interviews.

Health · May 17, 2026, 5:52 PM On World Hypertension Day, Paraguay Warns About the 'Silent Killer' Affecting 38.6% of the Population

On World Hypertension Day, celebrated on May 17, Paraguay's Ministry of Health and the Paraguayan Society of Cardiology reinforce the importance of regular blood pressure control. The disease, known as the 'silent killer,' affects 38.6% of Paraguayans and is the leading preventable cause of premature death worldwide. Excessive salt consumption is identified as a critical factor.

Society · May 17, 2026, 5:15 PM Dollar depreciation reduces margins and competitiveness of Paraguayan industry, minister admits

The Minister of Industry and Commerce, Marcos Riquelme, acknowledged that the sharp fall of the dollar (about 25% in one year) is compressing margins and competitiveness of local industries, especially exporters who bill in dollars but have costs in guaranis. The US currency exchange rate opened the week at G. 6,120 in the effective exchange and G. 6,096 in the interbank market.

Economy · May 17, 2026, 3:30 PM Expo eCommerce 2026 Aims to Accelerate Digitalization of MSMEs in Paraguay

Paraguay's Ministry of Industry and Commerce (MIC) has launched the fourth edition of Expo eCommerce, to be held on May 21, 2026, focusing on reducing the digital gap among micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). National Director of Entrepreneurship Romina Da Re highlighted that only 15% of MSMEs have their own e-commerce platform, despite the sector representing 70% of employment and 24% of the country's commercial activity. The event, organized by the Paraguayan Chamber of Electronic Commerce with support from the Vice Ministry of MSMEs, will offer training in digital sales, payment methods, artificial intelligence, and financial inclusion.

Society · May 16, 2026, 1:16 PM April records 578 reports of violations of children's and adolescents' rights in Paraguay

The Ministry of Childhood and Adolescence (Minna) reported that the 147 Fono Ayuda hotline received 578 calls in April 2026, involving 1,110 children and adolescents in vulnerable situations. The main violations were failure to fulfill the duty of care (459 cases), mistreatment (406), social risk (192), street situation (125), and alleged sexual abuse (102). The Central department led the records with 266 cases, followed by Asunción (113) and Itapúa (38). The cases were forwarded to the Public Prosecutor's Office, the Public Defender's Office, and CODENI.

Society · May 16, 2026, 4:00 AM TSJE Admits Flexibility After Annulling Tender and Benefiting Consortium That Attempted to Bypass Technical Test

The Superior Electoral Justice Tribunal of Paraguay (TSJE) acknowledged that it relaxed the rules of a tender for the rental of voting machines, after canceling a first call in which the Consórcio Comitia MSA was disqualified for replacing the screen of an equipment during the technical test. The change allowed the consortium, which had been disqualified for an alleged attempted fraud, to win the new tender and close a contract of nearly US$ 35 million for the upcoming internal and municipal elections.

Society · May 15, 2026, 5:39 PM Brazilian man is victim of millionaire robbery after Grindr date in Ciudad del Este

A 35-year-old Brazilian man, resident in Cascavel, was robbed by eight hooded and armed criminals in the San Rafael neighborhood of Ciudad del Este after arranging a date through the Grindr app. The thieves took an iPhone 17 Pro Max and forced the victim to transfer 45,000 reais via Pix. In a separate case, authorities are investigating another robbery with hostages in which 28 million guaranis in cash and 29 million guaranis in transfers were stolen.

Society · May 15, 2026, 4:50 AM "Let's Speak Frankly" Returns to ICPA to Explore Identity and Human Impulses

The play "Let's Speak Frankly," directed by Juan Hannes Bürgin, returns to the Instituto Cultural Paraguayo-Alemán - Goethe-Zentrum (ICPA-GZ) in May and June 2026. The work addresses the tensions between individual identity and social impositions, questioning the prefabricated images that distance human beings from their primary impulses, such as love and sex. Performances will take place in the Salón Rolando Rasmussen, with tickets priced at G. 30,000.

Society · May 14, 2026, 8:06 PM Expo Madera Paraguay 2026: Paraguayan Forestry Sector Bets on Expansion and Sustainability

The Expo Madera Paraguay 2026, organized by the Paraguayan Federation of Timber Producers (Fepama), will take place from September 10 to 12 at the Paraguayan Olympic Committee, under the motto 'Forests in expansion, industries with value'. The event aims to consolidate Paraguay as a strategic player in the regional forestry-industrial sector, highlighting the more than 380,000 hectares of forest plantations, the potential for job creation, and the emphasis on sustainability and certification of origin.