Paraguay's Cartes weakens as elections approach

Subject

Political prospects.

Significance

The ruling Colorado Party will choose new party authorities in primary elections on July 26. President Horacio Cartes is in a weakened position, after the Senate voted on May 28 to amend the landmark Law for Public-Private Partnership (PPP), passed just months after Cartes came to power in August 2013. The Senate is now insisting that any PPP should be approved by Congress and not solely by the executive. The amendment has since been rejected by the Lower House, where Cartes enjoys a slim majority, and the measure is again before the Senate.

Impacts

• The Senate decision was a bitter blow to Cartes, who has lauded PPPs as a quick solution for addressing Paraguay's infrastructure shortfall.
• The ongoing spate of corruption scandals is also undermining the president.
• Cartes's position will weaken further as the Colorado Party identifies new leaders.