PLRA faces internal strife and debates electoral role after Paraguay elections

Internal tensions have surfaced within Paraguay’s Radical Liberal Authentic Party (PLRA) following recent municipal elections. Councilman Armando Riveros launched a sharp critique against Deputy Antonio Buzarquis, labeling him a “traitor” and the “marshal of defeat.” Riveros accused Buzarquis of attempting to shift blame for electoral losses onto local council members and alleged that Buzarquis promoted external candidates despite holding the party's vice presidency.

Simultaneously, the PLRA is working to assert its dominance within the opposition bloc. Party leadership claims the PLRA contributed 60% of the total opposition votes, totaling over 816,000 votes. While the party saw a territorial decline in the number of municipalities won compared to 2021, officials argue they maintain the largest structure. Including candidates running within alliances, the party asserts it won in 61 municipalities.

Central Department Governor Ricardo Estigarribia defended the party's performance, stating that the results demonstrate a strong core of voters. Estigarribia also reaffirmed his intention to run for the presidency in the future.