Paraguay education officials defend institutional autonomy and 2027 budget

In Paraguay, officials from the education and accreditation sectors are addressing institutional challenges and budgetary planning. José Duarte Penayo, head of the National Agency for Evaluation and Accreditation of Higher Education (ANEAES), defended his position against political questioning. He asserted that his leadership is based on legal requirements and the trust of President Santiago Peña, emphasizing that the agency maintains technical autonomy and does not succumb to political pressure regarding university accreditations.

Separately, the Minister of Education and Sciences, Luis Ramírez, presented a proposed budget of 10.4 trillion Guaraní (approximately USD 1.6 billion) for the 2027 fiscal year to the Bicameral Budget Commission. The plan allocates 92.7% of funds to personnel salaries and benefits. Ramírez also noted a pending addendum of USD 18.7 million intended to facilitate salary adjustments for teachers and the creation of new positions, while aiming to settle historical debts with the Social Security Institute (IPS) and the national electricity provider (ANDE).