MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Paraguay: Lugo appears at event commemorating his presidential election

“All Paraguayans dream of a different Paraguay; a new Paraguay without elites,” Lugo said

Former Paraguayan President Fernando Lugo publicly appeared Sunday in Liberación, San Pedro, at a Frente Guasu event commemorating the 2008 opposition victory that ended decades of National Republican Association (ANR) rule.

Lugo, who had been absent from public events since suffering a stroke in August 2022, delivered a five-minute speech expressing gratitude and emphasizing the need to build a “new Paraguay” free of elites. There is a “big debt” with our country, insisted Lugo.

He reflected on past lessons, acknowledged ongoing support, and called for collective efforts to realize a better Paraguay. He served as president from 2008 to 2012 until his impeachment following the Curuguaty massacre, and later became a senator in 2013.

Lugo had been “away” from the public eye for quite a spell following his stroke in August 2022. After his recovery, he had trouble speaking fluently.

“Simply, I would like to tell you today with gratitude this desire to continue building, to continue working, to continue fighting, and to continue realizing the Paraguay that all Paraguayans need. We learned many things, we learned even from our shortcomings,” he said nonetheless.

“All Paraguayans dream of a different Paraguay; a new Paraguay without elites,” he further noted.

“In closing, I want to thank all of you who participate in continuing to build together the Paraguay that we need; the Paraguay in which we help each other... all together so that this country that we dream so much will be realized. Long live Paraguay!” he pointed out.