Paraguay: Situation and Perspectives of the Political Juncture

Context

Paraguay is characterized by high inequality in income distribution and a very high concentration of land. According to UNDP data from 2008 the richer 10% have 31 times more income than any person in the 10% lower stratum. These contrasts are based on a series of conflicts and generate a sense of relative deprivation, injustice and power abuse among the underprivileged

This social economic matrix is expressed in a strongly fragmented society, with weak articulation in its social movements and a structured political system around traditional parties which represent the interest of soy growers and ranchers, putting the people to one side. These political parties tend to be associated to extensive corruption practices, patronage and power abuse. 

Paraguayan history for the last 61 years until August 2008 was managed by a single party, the Partido Colorado, which historically managed to control the State in all its organizations and institutions. This cycle that implied the uninterrupted permanence in power of a single political party for more than half a century, has been broken by a major demand for change, expressed in the April 2008 elections, and by the swearing-in of President Fernando Lugo in August of that same year.

This means a democratic change with alternation that leaves major challenges for the new government. At the end of the first year of Fernando Lugo’s term, the majority of leaderships consulted agreed that Lugo has the genuine will to introduce change and improve Paraguayan living conditions, but many express doubts about this affirmation becoming reality. Paraguayan elites agreed that a year in office has not been enough to make a significant change in the country’s situation.  

In this context President Lugo must respond to two strategic dilemmas to build favorable scenarios in terms of democratic governance and human development:

1. ¿Change or transition? Gradualist change agenda: Taking a part a structure consolidated over 60 years will take several administrations. Immediate radical change is not expected, but rather steps in that direction
2. ¿”Social movements” or “Political parties”? Consolidate sociopolitical agreements: The capacity to represent different political and social actors is low, partial or limited. The concourse of all is essential for change to be irreversible, for the steps taken be written in stone.