Supreme Court setback is a blow to Paraguay's Cartes

Subject

The politics surrounding impeachment of Supreme Court judges.

Significance

A cross-party grouping in the Senate has refused to support the impeachment of three Supreme Court judges. This represents a major political setback for President Horacio Cartes and the first opposition victory in Congress since he took office in August 2013. The decision will put pressure on Cartes to accept their demand for a wholesale reform of the Supreme Court.

Impacts

• Cartes faces internal Colorado Party opposition to his re-election ambitions.
• Congressional opposition to the Supreme Court's impeachment plans will weaken Cartes within the party.
• The process will do nothing to strengthen the credibility of supposed anti-corruption measures.