In Paraguay, the Dissident Colorado Faction Opens Up to other Sectors

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Issue Oct 07-13 2026: The dissident Colorado faction is moving forward with an alternative project to the National Republican Association (ANR) leadership, aiming to contest the Presidency in the 2028 general elections.

Última Hora of Asunción noted that Mario Abdo Benítez and Hugo Velázquez are opening the door to other sectors to determine the presidential ticket, without ruling out the Cartista or Peñista factions. During a meeting held at the home of Senator Luis Pettengill (ANR), deputies and senators from the dissident Colorado faction discussed the party’s future ahead of the 2028 presidential elections. Deputy Mauricio Espínola confirmed to Última Hora that Colorado Añetete, led by former President Mario Abdo Benítez, and Fuerza Republicana, headed by Hugo Velázquez, agreed to settle on a single joint candidacy between December of this year and January 2027.

The lawmaker explained that presidential hopefuls Arnoldo Wiens (Colorado Añetete) and Luis Pettengill (Fuerza Republicana) will discuss the methodology for selecting this unified ticket. Senator Lilian Samaniego, of the Causa Republicana movement, also participated in the meeting for the first time; she, too, harbors presidential ambitions. Espínola noted that the possibility of her joining the project was raised, although she has not yet confirmed her participation.

Espínola noted that the dissident Colorado faction is keeping the door open to talks with leaders from other movements, including the Cartista faction. Although Horacio Cartes has already selected Juan Carlos Baruja to represent the movement in place of Alliana, he has not yet made an official announcement. In contrast, the Peñista faction has already formalized the Vice President’s candidacy; he has affirmed that he would remain at the helm despite the split with the Honor Colorado movement.

Against this backdrop, Espínola maintained that the dissidents’ goal is to build an alternative to the Colorado party establishment and gain power by winning the Presidency of the Republic. “The doors will be open to all sectors within the Colorado Party,” he stated, noting that there are governors, senators, and deputies interested in dialogue with the group. Furthermore, when asked about the possibility of other key figures, such as the Minister of Urban Planning, Housing, and Habitat, Juan Carlos Baruja, joining the presidential race, Espínola insisted that the group is not closed to new pre-candidacies, provided the candidates are willing to respect a single, unified ticket.