Former Paraguayan president Horacio Cartes celebrated his 70th birthday with a mass event at the Junta de Gobierno, where he challenged his critics and called on his supporters to 'get in the game' ahead of the elections.
Former Paraguayan president Horacio Cartes blew out 70 candles this Sunday at an event that gathered thousands of supporters at the headquarters of the Partido Colorado. Far from being a mere celebration, the event served as a platform to deliver a strong message to the opposition and his own party members: the leader of Honor Colorado has no intention of stepping down.
With the presence of President Santiago Peña, Vice President Pedro Alliana, and much of the ministerial cabinet, Cartes took advantage of his birthday to set the political direction of the party. "We must act. Words and promises are no longer enough; it is time for us to get in the game and we need to produce results," he rallied from the stage.
An ultimatum to the opposition and dissent
The former president, who remains the undisputed leader of the Partido Colorado, did not hold back in his criticism of his adversaries. In a defiant tone, he asserted that those who speculated about his health following a recent operation were mistaken. "I’ll let you know that I’m going to live to 140 years old," he said with a laugh, prompting a standing ovation from those present.
The statement, more than a joke, was a declaration of intent. Cartes made it clear that his leadership has no expiry date and that the party's territorial control remains firmly in his hands. The leadership of Honor Colorado interpreted the message as a closure to any debate regarding his succession.
The electoral machinery, in full swing
The event also served as the starting gun for the campaign of Camilo Pérez, the official candidate for the mayoralty of Asunción. Cartes ordered all party resources to be mobilised to ensure victory in the capital, a traditionally opposition stronghold that the Colorados want to reclaim.
For the leadership, the capital is a necessary test where the validity of their hegemony will be measured against the opposition and dissent a year before the presidential primaries.
The order to secure results at the polls was received by the militants and the leadership, who will now have to reconcile the strategy with the dissent teams, weakened by internal conflicts and overshadowed by Cartes’ performance.
Pressure on Peña's cabinet
Cartes' message also had a clear recipient: President Santiago Peña. The former president urged his successor to accelerate changes in the cabinet, in a context where the internal struggle for positions for the bases remains unresolved. Peña, who described Cartes as a "leader with an unbreakable vision," is evaluating new appointments to meet the party's demands.
The celebration, which included a republican banquet and dancing with supporters, served to unify the Colorados after the backing from the internal elections on June 7. With the party machinery unified under his command, Cartes makes it clear that, at 70, he remains the helm of the Colorado ship.
For readers interested in Paraguayan politics, the message is clear: Cartes' leadership is not weakening, and the opposition must prepare for a long journey if they expect to see him out of power. The next electoral appointment in Asunción will be the first test of fire.
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