AGP Executive Report

Women’s Safety: Women’s groups in Paraguay are demanding justice after 22-year-old Deisy Giménez was killed despite reporting abuse and receiving a restraining order. They are calling for stronger protections and accountability from state institutions. Israel Ties: Vice President Pedro Alliana reaffirmed Paraguay’s friendship with Israel, describing the relationship as a strategic alliance grounded in shared values. Storm Relief: The UAE has pledged urgent aid for families affected by severe storms, coordinating with Paraguayan authorities to identify needs. Chaco Oversight: Paraguay met a UN deadline to update management plans for the Chaco Biosphere Reserve, where deforestation threatens Indigenous communities; UNESCO is monitoring the reserve. Digital Rights: A regional report says a leak from Paraguay’s electoral authorities exposed data belonging to nearly seven million people. Asunción Politics: An opposition mayoral victory has ended Colorado Party control of the capital, a notable shift ahead of the 2028 election.

Israel Ties: Vice President Pedro Alliana said Paraguay will not abandon its friendship with Israel despite political costs, describing the partnership as a strategic alliance rooted in shared values. Chaco Oversight: Paraguay met a UN deadline to update governance plans for the Chaco Biosphere Reserve, where deforestation threatens Indigenous communities and conservation protections face scrutiny. Asunción Politics: An opposition mayoral victory ended Colorado Party control of the capital, offering an early gauge ahead of the 2028 elections. Security and Relief: The Air Force received South America’s first military Cessna SkyCourier for transport, medical evacuations and disaster response; the UAE also pledged urgent aid after severe storms. Digital Accountability: A regional report said a leak from Paraguay’s electoral authorities exposed data belonging to nearly seven million people.

Paraguay–Israel Ties: Vice President Pedro Alliana led a delegation to Israel, reaffirming a strategic partnership built around shared democratic values, security cooperation and Israel’s right to defend itself. Chaco Reserve: Paraguay met a UN deadline to submit updated plans for the 7.5-million-hectare biosphere reserve, where ranching and farming threaten forests and Indigenous Ayoreo communities; UNESCO is monitoring the site. Storm Relief: The UAE has launched emergency aid for Paraguayans affected by severe thunderstorms, coordinating with local authorities to identify urgent needs. Air Force: Paraguay received South America’s first military Cessna SkyCourier, funded by Itaipu, for transport, medical evacuations and disaster response. Asunción Politics: An opposition mayoral victory ended Colorado Party control of the capital, shifting the city’s political landscape ahead of the 2028 national contest. Digital Rights: A regional report highlighted a leak of electoral-authority data affecting nearly seven million people in Paraguay, raising concerns about surveillance and personal-data protection.

Storm Relief: The UAE has launched emergency aid for Paraguay after severe thunderstorms damaged homes and property, coordinating with Paraguayan authorities to identify urgent needs. Digital Rights: A regional report highlights a breach of Paraguay’s electoral authority data that exposed information on nearly seven million people, renewing concerns about digital security and oversight. Investment: JPMorgan’s Southern Cone chief pointed to Paraguay’s stability and small state as draws for investors, identifying energy, forestry and infrastructure as promising sectors. Taiwan Ties: Paraguay faces growing economic pressure from China but is expected to maintain its diplomatic alliance with Taiwan, its only formal partner in South America. Asunción Politics: An opposition candidate’s mayoral victory ended Colorado Party control of the capital, a closely watched signal ahead of Paraguay’s 2028 elections.

Taiwan Ties: Paraguay is facing growing pressure to balance its long-standing alliance with Taiwan against China’s economic pull. President Santiago Peña is deepening cooperation with Taipei in technology, trade and AI, while exporters lack the direct access to China enjoyed by Mercosur partners. Regional Diplomacy: Paraguay joined a group of countries that helped secure a two-year renewal of the UN’s independent investigation into human rights abuses in Venezuela. Economic Outlook: The World Bank expects regional growth of 2.2% in 2026 and says Paraguay is outperforming the average, citing fiscal consolidation and private investment. Asunción Politics: An opposition candidate’s mayoral victory ended Colorado Party control of the capital, putting the result in focus as a gauge of the 2028 election. Community Investment: Japan has granted about US$300,000 for water, school and road projects in Paraguay, including a water system expected to serve 4,000 people.

Economic Outlook: The World Bank says Paraguay is outpacing the regional average, citing private investment, fiscal consolidation and improved security, even as Latin America and the Caribbean is forecast to grow 2.2% in 2026. Community Investment: Japan is providing about $300,000 for water, school and road projects in Paraguay, including a water system expected to serve 4,000 people in Caacupé. Asunción Politics: An opposition candidate’s win in the mayoral race ends Colorado Party control of the capital, a notable signal ahead of the 2028 national vote. Public Finance: Fitch kept Paraguay at BB+ with a positive outlook, while flagging hurdles to investment-grade status. Foreign Affairs: Paraguay joined nine other countries in condemning alleged Iranian-linked activity across the Americas. Defense: The Paraguayan Air Force selected Cessna SkyCourier aircraft for multiple missions, making Paraguay the model’s first South American military operator.

Border Security: Brazil has launched a palm-biometric pilot for pedestrian crossings at the Friendship Bridge with Paraguay, aiming to speed traffic and strengthen customs controls; the system currently tracks repeat passages without linking scans to travelers’ identities. Currency: Paraguay’s central bank has unveiled redesigned guaraní banknotes, to be introduced gradually alongside current notes. Asunción Politics: An opposition candidate has won the mayor’s race, ending Colorado Party control of the capital and offering an early gauge of the 2028 national contest. Foreign Policy: Paraguay joined nine countries in condemning what they described as Iranian-backed threats and interference in the Americas. Defense: The Paraguayan Air Force has taken delivery of a Cessna SkyCourier, funded by Itaipu Binacional, for medical evacuations, disaster response and other missions. Economy: Fitch has kept Paraguay at BB+ with a positive outlook, while the World Bank says the country is outperforming the regional growth average.

Asunción Politics: An opposition candidate has won the mayor’s race, ending the Colorado Party’s control of the capital and setting up a new test of the ruling party ahead of the 2028 election. Public Investment: HIVE plans to expand its hydro-powered data center in Paraguay to 400 megawatts, while the Air Force has become South America’s first military operator of the Cessna SkyCourier, for relief and emergency missions. Regional Diplomacy: Paraguay joined nine other countries in condemning alleged Iranian activity across the Americas, following a counterterrorism forum co-hosted by Paraguay and the United States. Economic Outlook: The World Bank expects Paraguay to outperform the region in 2026, citing fiscal consolidation and private investment. Fitch kept the country at BB+ with a positive outlook, though seven hurdles remain before investment grade.

Fitch Upgrade Watch: Paraguay inched closer to investment grade as Fitch affirmed BB+ with a positive outlook, citing strong growth, lower public debt, and improving inflation—plus seven hurdles Paraguay must clear next. Central American Food Safety: South Korea will host Latin American food-safety officials, including Paraguay, to tighten import safeguards and boost exports of Korean food. Currency Update: Paraguay’s central bank unveiled redesigned guaraní banknotes (all six denominations), with a gradual rollout planned for early 2027 while older notes stay valid. Regional Security Diplomacy: The U.S. and nine partner countries, including Paraguay, issued a joint statement condemning Iran-linked “terrorist actions” and pledged tighter coordination. Women in Politics: A Philippine commission urged a rapid government referral pathway to respond to violence against women in politics. Sports Governance Fallout: FIFA’s handling of DR Congo’s ineligible player case is back in the spotlight after reports say officials knew of the eligibility breach but allowed the team to continue. Asunción Culture: German Week 2026 is underway in Asunción and San Lorenzo, running through Oct. 14 with free public events.

Paraguay Credit Watch: Fitch affirmed Paraguay at BB+ with a positive outlook, citing strong growth, falling inflation, and lower public debt—keeping the country one step from investment grade. Currency Update: The Banco Central del Paraguay unveiled a redesigned guaraní banknote family (all six denominations), with new security features and themes tied to national history and biodiversity; rollout starts in Q1 2027. Regional Security: The U.S. and nine Latin American partners, including Paraguay, jointly condemned Iranian “terrorist actions” and proxy operations across the Western Hemisphere, pledging tighter coordination. World Bank Outlook: The World Bank projected 2.1% growth for Latin America this year and highlighted Paraguay among stronger performers, while warning risks from energy shocks and El Niño. Diplomacy & Ties: Paraguay is listed among Taiwan’s remaining regional partners, as UN-focused efforts continue to keep Taiwan engaged internationally. Culture in Asunción: German Week 2026 is underway in Asunción and San Lorenzo, running until Oct. 14, with public events including Oktoberfest-style programming.

Asunción Municipal Power Shift: Civil engineer Soledad Núñez won Asunción’s mayor race for the opposition “Alianza Juntos Por Asunción,” ending the Colorado Party’s control since 2019, with preliminary results showing 47.78% for Núñez versus 45.98% for Colorado’s Camilo Pérez; the win is being read as a major political signal ahead of 2028. Second City Watch: In Ciudad del Este, Yo Creo’s Dani Mujica also took the mayoralty decisively (72.83%) over the Colorado candidate (23.8%), with results still subject to formal review. Regional Security Cooperation: The U.S., Canada, Paraguay and other Latin American and Caribbean governments issued a joint declaration accusing Iran and proxies of terrorist and malign operations in the hemisphere, citing a prior U.S.-Paraguay forum to boost law enforcement coordination. Diplomacy & Ties: Taiwan’s shrinking ally circle includes Paraguay, with renewed attention on UN participation efforts by Taiwan’s remaining partners. Tech & Public Administration: A Paraguayan-led AI team won a Best Paper award for trademark classification work tied to an AI-assisted platform for DINAPI, funded via KOICA and FP-UNA.

Asunción Municipal Politics: Civil engineer Soledad Núñez won Asunción’s mayor race, ending Colorado Party control of the capital with about 47.8% vs. Camilo Pérez’s 46% in preliminary results—an early signal for the 2028 political fight. Local Governance Watch: The shift matters because Asunción is Paraguay’s key economic and political hub, and the new administration inherits debt, stalled works, and infrastructure problems. Paraguay Innovation: A Paraguayan-led AI team won a Best Paper Award in South Korea for trademark classification research tied to DINAPI, backed by KOICA and FP-UNA, aiming to speed up and standardize trademark searches. Education & Investment: Universidad Central del Paraguay is pushing a University District in Asunción’s historic center, targeting about US$200M investment and 5,000 foreign students over five years. Culture & Public Life: Paraguay will host the 7th Latin American Folklore Gathering (Oct 6–11) with free public performances across Asunción and nearby cities, bringing artists from 13 countries. International Context: Brazil’s first-round election surprised with Flávio Bolsonaro leading Lula, setting up a run-off Oct 25.

Municipal Elections Watch: Paraguay’s opposition coalition Alianza Juntos Por Asunción won Asunción’s mayor race, with Soledad Núñez taking 47.78% versus Colorado’s Camilo Pérez at 45.98% (99.92% counted), ending Colorado’s control of the capital since 2019; in Ciudad del Este, Yo Creo’s Dani Mujica won 72.83% to 23.8%, a major blow to the ruling party and a key signal ahead of 2028. Regional Politics & Rights Debate: Across Latin America, lawmakers are moving from rhetoric to bills aimed at “false” reports in domestic and sexual violence cases, arguing women-protection laws have gone too far—an issue that could reshape how Paraguay and neighbors handle gender-violence policy and legal safeguards. International Law & Security: A broad coalition of countries reiterated commitment to reinstated UN Security Council resolutions tied to Iran’s nuclear program, underscoring how international legal frameworks keep driving regional security politics. Culture & Heritage in Paraguay: Paraguay will host the 7th Latin American Folklore Gathering (Oct 6–11) across San Lorenzo, Asunción and Fernando de la Mora, with free public performances and artists from 13 countries. Asunción Spotlight: Saint Michael’s Sword will visit Paraguay for the first time in its history starting Oct 8, with a main Mass at Asunción’s Metropolitan Cathedral on Oct 9.

Paraguay–Colombia Friendly: Paraguay edged Colombia 1-0 in New Jersey, with Hugo Benítez scoring after a defensive mistake, as the visitors struggled to create clear chances. Diplomacy & Culture: Paraguay hosts the 7th Latin American Folklore Gathering (Oct 6-11) across San Lorenzo, Asunción and Fernando de la Mora, with free public performances at major venues. Catholic Church: Saint Michael’s Sword arrives from Italy for the first time, with a main Mass in Asunción on Oct 9 and stops including Caacupé and Villarrica. Local Food & Economy: Empanada Day (Oct 4) spotlights national heritage-recognized recipes and the snack’s big business footprint. Sports Calendar: Encarnación will stage Ironman 70.3 on Oct 11, bringing international endurance racing to the Itapúa region. Regional Politics Watch: A new Economist Latinobarómetro survey says favorable views of China are rising across Latin America, including Paraguay, while views of the U.S. decline.

Paraguay–Colombia Friendly: Paraguay beat Colombia 1-0 in New Jersey, with Hugo Benítez scoring after a defensive mistake, as Néstor Lorenzo’s rebuilding side struggled to create chances and adapt its new shape. Regional Diplomacy: The U.S.-backed “Durban” anniversary UN meeting saw Venezuela and Paraguay among the absentees, while Washington and Israel praised non-participation. International Trade & Law: The EU–Mercosur deal faces fresh legal pressure as Brussels suspended parts of Brazilian animal-product imports, adding uncertainty for exporters amid ongoing court challenges. Organized Crime Finance: A regional analysis highlights a shift toward tracing criminal money flows—citing Paraguay links to major networks in the Tri-Border Area as governments move beyond kingpin arrests. Culture & Civic Space in Asunción: Spain’s embassy launched Aires de España (free events across October) and TEDIC opened an all-male panel exhibition questioning who gets visibility as “experts” in public decision-making. Paraguay in Global Mobility: Uruguay ranked high for international passengers per inhabitant, while Paraguay sits lower—an indicator of how infrastructure and logistics shape regional travel access.

Diplomacy & Development: Trinidad and Tobago announced it will open its first Middle East embassy in the UAE, alongside a UAE grant for critical equipment for Couva Children’s Hospital, as part of broader efforts to deepen trade and security ties. Regional Politics & Security: A new Guatemala anti–money laundering overhaul shifts focus toward tracing assets and financial networks tied to organized crime, with the report citing regional FIU coordination and Paraguay’s role in tracking major criminal groups in the Tri-Border Area. Paraguay Economy: Paraguay ended the first half of 2026 with South America’s fastest growth (GDP up 5.7%), led by agriculture and services, though momentum eased in the second quarter. Asunción Civic Life: Banco de Alimentos Paraguay kicks off its 2026 National Food Drive aiming to collect 40 tonnes nationwide with 1,000+ volunteers. Culture & Representation: TEDIC’s “All Male Panel” exhibition opens in Asunción, challenging the absence of women experts in public decision-making spaces. International Mobility: Japan added Paraguay to its ePassport entry list, easing travel for eligible passport holders.