Paraguay PLRA internal political developments

Following municipal elections in Paraguay, the Authentic Radical Liberal Party (PLRA) has experienced internal friction. Councilman Armando Riveros criticized Deputy Antonio Buzarquis, calling him a “traitor” and the “marshal of defeat” for allegedly shifting blame for electoral losses onto local members.

Despite these tensions, party leadership emphasized the PLRA’s significant role in the opposition, claiming the party contributed 60% of total opposition votes. While the party saw a decline in the number of municipalities won compared to 2021, officials maintained that the PLRA possesses the largest political structure.

As the party looks toward the 2028 elections, the PLRA has delayed its official convention until 2027. This delay is intended to provide a venue for establishing the party’s stance on alliances and candidacies. Internal debates continue regarding the party’s role in potential opposition coalitions. Miguel Prieto, former mayor of Ciudad del Este, suggested the PLRA should seek at least a vice presidency, arguing a liberal presidential candidate might struggle to attract Colorado Party voters. However, President Alcides Riveros asserted the party intends to maintain its ability to lead a formula rather than acting as a supporting partner.

Riveros has also called for political maturity and the use of institutional methodologies for candidate selection to avoid arbitrary appointments and internal friction. Additionally, the PLRA has declared the prevention and eradication of violence against women a priority, planning training programs across national committees in response to rising femicide cases and in accordance with Law 5777/2016.