Under Peña, Paraguay Grows But Its Politics Look Uncertain
A year into President Santiago Peña’s term, the economy is doing well. However, critics worry about rule of law and the influence of a powerful former leader.
ASUNCIÓN — Every winter, Paraguayans gather to burn effigies, known as Judas Kái, of people they dislike. This year, among the usual roll call of corrupt senators and scandal-ridden local officials, a new mannequin featured widely: President Santiago Peña. A telegenic 45-year-old economist who worked for the IMF and served as Paraguay’s finance minister, Peña won the April 2023 election over a divided opposition. Heading up the conservative Colorado Party, which has run Paraguay for all but five of the last 77 years, Peña promised more police on the streets, 500,000 new jobs,...
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