by CLAUDIA POMPA
On April 22 2013, Horacio Cartes’ victory in the Paraguayan presidential elections marked the return of the right-wing Colorado Party to power—a position it held for 61 years before left-wing former Catholic bishop Fernando Lugo won office in 2008. Cartes – a political novice who had never even voted in presidential elections before running for the office and who faced accusations that his wealth was acquired by money laundering, cigarette smuggling and drug trafficking – ran on a platform promising “a new path” and economic prosperity to all.
During his swearing-in ceremony on Aug. 15, 2013 Cartes vowed to battle poverty and corruption in one of the most unequal and corrupt nations in South America. “I’m not in politics to make a career of it or become wealthier,” said Cartes. The new president promised to strengthen Paraguay’s international ties and its commitment to human rights. But economic and social progress has been slow to arrive, highlighting the challenges Cartes still needs to overcome if he is serious about setting Paraguay on a new path.
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