# Colorado Party leadership rift and 2028 candidacy struggle > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/paraguay-colorado-party-internal-leadership-rift > Updated: 2026-10-26T17:43:13.000Z. Sources: 109. Developments: 8. Internal friction within Paraguay’s ruling Colorado Party has evolved as key figures respond to the leadership rift between Vice President Pedro Alliana and the Honor Colorado movement led by Horacio Cartes. Following his declaration that he feels ‘more outside than inside’ the movement, Alliana moved to evaluate potential presidential candidates through a survey including César Sosa, Raúl Latorre, and Marco Riquelme. This maneuver coincided with Caaguazú Governor Marcelo Soto publicly strengthening ties with Alliana to consolidate leadership amidst the perceived rupture. In a recent development aimed at mitigating further instability, Minister Juan Carlos Baruja has formally declined any presidential or vice-presidential candidacy for the 2028 elections to ‘preserve unity within the Honor Colorado movement’. Concurrently, Horacio Cartes announced that Honor Colorado will not present any candidacies for the party’s internal elections in 2027, a first in two decades. In response, Raúl Latorre indicated his intention to register a new movement to ensure participation, while Basilio Bachi Núñez reaffirmed his support for Alliana’s 2028 presidential candidacy. The crisis intensified following reports that Horacio Cartes withdrew support for Alliana in favor of Minister Baruja. In response, Alliana reaffirmed his presidential aspirations, stating he may pursue his bid outside of Honor Colorado if consensus is not reached. He has since received formal backing from 15 Colorado governors. President Santiago Peña has expressed ‘unconditional support’ for Alliana regarding the selection of his running mate. As the selection process continues, Alliana has indicated a preference for a ‘technical candidate’ from the capital as his running mate rather than a political figure from the interior, a move that may exclude Guairá Governor César Sosa. Deputy Alejandro Aguilera noted that while political decisions often leave ‘wounded’ parties, legislators have committed to respecting Alliana’s final decision. ## Claims - Vice President Pedro Alliana confirmed his 2028 presidential candidacy remains active. (disputed by 12 sources) - Horacio Cartes reportedly intends to support Minister Juan Carlos Baruja for the 2028 presidential ticket instead of Alliana. (disputed by 10 sources) - Juan Carlos Baruja will not participate in the 2028 presidential or vice-presidential elections. (disputed by 4 sources) - The 15 Colorado governors have formally ratified their support for Pedro Alliana. (corroborated by 4 sources) - Baruja maintains his loyalty to Horacio Cartes. (corroborated by 4 sources) - The Honor Colorado movement will not present any candidacies for the 2027 internal party elections. (corroborated by 4 sources) - Pedro Alliana suggested he might pursue his presidential bid outside of the Honor Colorado movement if consensus is not reached. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Former presidents Horacio Cartes and Mario Abdo Benítez held a meeting at the residence of Édgar Melgarejo. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Baruja will continue his current role in the government. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The political landscape in Paraguay has shifted due to the split in Honor Colorado. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Deputy Hugo Meza stated that a majority of deputies support Alliana and expressed opposition to Baruja's candidacy. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Baruja has formally communicated his decision to Horacio Cartes. (corroborated by 2 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-10-26: Pedro Alliana weighs technical candidate for vice presidency Colorado Party pre-candidate Pedro Alliana favors a technical, capital-based running mate, potentially sidelining Governor César Sosa and sparking internal party shifts. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/pedro-alliana-weighs-technical-candidate-for-vice-presidency ### 2026-10-24: Paraguay: Political maneuvering intensifies ahead of 2028 elections Paraguayan leaders and opposition parties are shaping their strategies for the 2028 elections, including Vice President Alliana's search for a running mate and the PLRA's push for unified opposition. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/santiago-pea-pledges-unconditional-support-to-pedro-alliana ### 2026-10-22: Pedro Alliana manages presidential ticket selection process Vice President Pedro Alliana is using national polling to help select a running mate for the 2028 presidential ticket, amid internal discussions within Paraguay's ruling party. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/pedro-alliana-manages-presidential-ticket-selection-process ### 2026-10-20: Pedro Alliana meets Raúl Latorre amid presidential ticket disputes Vice President Pedro Alliana met with Raúl Latorre as the Colorado Party navigates internal disputes over potential vice-presidential candidates for the 2028 elections. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/pedro-alliana-meets-ral-latorre-amid-presidential-ticket-disputes ### 2026-10-17: Honor Colorado to skip 2027 internal elections, Cartes announces Horacio Cartes announced that the Honor Colorado movement will not field candidates in the 2027 internal elections. Minister Juan Carlos Baruja has also withdrawn from 2028 presidential ambitions. 96 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/johannes-kaiser-denies-udi-invitation-regarding-18-o-anniversary ### 2026-10-15: Pedro Alliana signals internal rift within Paraguay’s Colorado Party Vice President Pedro Alliana expressed feeling distanced from the Honor Colorado movement and announced a survey to evaluate potential presidential candidates amid internal Colorado Party tensions. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/pedro-alliana-signals-internal-rift-within-paraguays-colorado-party ### 2026-10-13: Pedro Alliana maintains 2028 presidential bid amid Colorado Party crisis Paraguay's ruling Colorado Party faces a crisis as Vice President Pedro Alliana maintains his 2028 presidential bid despite Horacio Cartes reportedly shifting support to Minister Juan Carlos Baruja. 15 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/pedro-alliana-addresses-rumors-of-honor-colorado-presidential-candidate-shift ### 2026-10-05: Juan Carlos Baruja critiques political movement's internal friction Paraguayan Minister Juan Carlos Baruja criticized his political movement's internal friction, citing errors in allowing various sectors to promote independent vice-presidential candidates for 2028. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/juan-carlos-baruja-critiques-political-movements-internal-friction --- Cite as: Colorado Party leadership rift and 2028 candidacy struggle. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/paraguay-colorado-party-internal-leadership-rift