Paraguay

Paraguay underwent a period of political instability and authoritarian rule in the early 20th century, marked by a series of military coups and dictatorships. Notable is the 1954-1989 period, marked by General Alfredo Stroessner’s coup and brutal dictatorship, as well as 1989-1993, when General Andrés Rodríguez ruled. Rodríguez also staged a coup, but he quickly set a date for new elections and was subsequently elected president; several opposition members and human rights activists gained seats in Congress. The government adopted a new constitution in 1992, establishing a presidential system and protections for human rights. The first presidential transition under the new constitution occurred when Rodriguez’s former cabinet member, Juan Carlos Wasmosy won the presidential elections in 1993. The Colorado Party has been in power for over 70 years, except between 2008 and 2013. Still, instability is an issue in the executive, with internal disputes and a strong influence of the military in politics.

Paraguay’s current challenges stem from widespread corruption and politicians’ abuse of power. The judiciary and the media lack independence, with judges maintaining affiliations to political parties and the concentration of media ownership within three groups. In recent years, popular protests—which have railed against proposed changes to term limits and the perceived mismanagement of the pandemic – have been met with violence.  Corruption also facilitates organized crime and smuggling, aggravated by the increasing presence of criminal groups from Colombia and Brazil.

Land inequality is also a problem, largely driven by the disproportionate concentration of ownership (2.6 per cent of landowners hold 85.5 per cent of land), economic reliance on agriculture and discrimination against small farmers, rural, and Indigenous populations.  Powerful landowners and commercial agricultural interests prevent the implementation of agrarian legal reforms designed to incorporate peasant populations in economic development. Additionally, Indigenous Peoples which make up 1.8 per cent of the population, face unique challenges in securing their land rights, with ongoing disputes and instances of forced eviction and land confiscation. Women’s political participation remains low and below the regional average, despite efforts to promote gender parity through electoral reforms. Femicides and the draconian abortion ban that punishes rape survivors are among the most concerning issues. LGBTQIA+ people face challenges in securing their rights as well, with no legislation to protect this community from discrimination.

Widespread corruption, including allegations that current and former high-ranking officials have been associated with illegal economies, and an increase in political violence, hinder the prospectives of significant reform. This is coupled with a fragmented and factionalized party system, compounded by the lack of ideological positions. Going forward, it will be important to watch Absence of Corruption, Judicial Independence, and Freedom of the Press and Freedom of Expression, as changes in these factors could impact a crisis of public trust in government. Also important will be the government’s moves to address land rights, especially indigenous groups’ concerns.