Former Paraguayan President Mario Abdo Benítez has made a dramatic return to politics after a year of silence, aiming to challenge the current leadership within the Colorado Party. Benítez, critical of the party’s domination by mentor Horacio Cartes, seeks to champion democratic engagement and dissent from within.
The party is divided between Benítez’s faction and Cartes’ group, with current party president Santiago Peña caught in the middle. Benítez’s primary goal is to establish a platform for dissenting voices within the party and ensure representation in the 2026 municipal elections.
Benítez believes his re-entry into politics is vital to maintaining democratic balance in Paraguay, combating what he perceives as monopolistic tendencies within the party. He also raises concerns about the lack of executive autonomy under Peña’s administration, suggesting Cartes wields significant influence.
Ultimately, Benítez’s comeback signifies a battle for the Colorado Party’s identity and the broader democratic health of Paraguay. His actions underscore the need for a political environment where diverse voices can shape the country’s democratic future.