Honor Colorado faces internal tension over 2028 vice-presidential candidate

Internal tensions have emerged within the Honor Colorado movement of Paraguay’s Colorado Party regarding the selection of a vice-presidential candidate for the 2028 elections. The dispute follows a public expression of preference by party leader Horacio Cartes for Housing Minister Juan Carlos Baruja to serve as the running mate for Vice President Pedro Alliana.

Vice President Alliana has asserted his autonomy, stating that he will be the one to decide his running mate and that no official announcement will be made until after the municipal elections on October 4. Minister Baruja has expressed respect for this position, noting that while he is honored by Cartes’ preference, he will abide by the movement’s final decision.

Senator Antonio Barrios described the current atmosphere within the movement as a “tensa calma” (tense calm) characterized by significant discrepancies. While acknowledging the friction, Barrios emphasized that the movement remains firm and urged leaders to avoid political errors ahead of the upcoming elections. Other reports suggest that some regional governors may be gravitating toward President Santiago Peña, potentially creating a new political sector within the party.