Horacio Cartes names Juan Carlos Baruja as 2028 vice-presidential candidate

Horacio Cartes, leader of the Honor Colorado movement within the Asociación Nacional Republicana (ANR), has officially named Juan Carlos Baruja, the Minister of Urbanism, Housing, and Habitat, as the vice-presidential candidate for the 2028 elections. Baruja is intended to run alongside Pedro Alliana, the current Vice President of Paraguay and presidential candidate for the movement.

The announcement, made during a meeting with political leaders in Paraguarí, has caused internal friction. Pedro Alliana responded by stating he will not formally name his running mate until after the municipal elections on October 4, emphasizing the need for strategic analysis and party unity. Alliana noted that the current priority should remain on the government's social and legislative agenda.

Baruja's selection displaces other potential candidates, including Chamber of Deputies President Raúl Latorre and Guairá Governor César Sosa. While some officials view Cartes' announcement as a definitive decision, others suggest it serves as a recommendation that Alliana holds the final authority to confirm. Meanwhile, Senator Gustavo Leite has denied rumors of his own candidacy, asserting that he is focused on legislative work regarding public health and debt.