Paraguayan Presidential Candidate Santiago Peña Shares Vision for the Country’s Future
On January 25, the Georgetown Americas Institute hosted Santiago Peña, presidential candidate for the Colorado Party in the upcoming election in Paraguay, for a conversation about the presidential race and his vision for the country in the context of shifting regional politics. This event was moderated by Denisse Yanovich, managing director of the Georgetown Americas Institute.
Inspired to Make a Difference
Peña recalled making the decision to run for president after being unable to make an impact in Paraguay in the previous positions he held as minister of finance and a member of the board of the central bank, as well as an economist at the International Monetary Fund.
He noted that he had always been involved in the world of academia and advocated for sound public policy, but he realized that “for the policies to actually work, the people have to choose them.”
Paraguay’s Way Forward
Describing Paraguay’s role in the dynamic Latin American region, Peña said that the support for democratic institutions has significantly promoted growth and development. He emphasized the country’s potential given its young population and fertile arable land.
Nevertheless, Peña acknowledged some challenges for the country, such as low levels of education and the need to increase human capital and improve public health. However, he remains optimistic that Paraguayans are highly trainable and willing to learn. According to Peña, “The population wants progress.”
Peña also shared his vision for a “small state that performs the role of the state and not the private sector. We have controlled macro-stability as a measure of social progress.”
Paraguay in a Turbulent Region
When asked about other Latin American leaders and the latest shift to the political left, Peña asserted that he would not emphasize ideology when it comes to multilateral relations. “I don’t have any concerns about that,” said Peña. “President Lula [da Silva of Brazil], for example, has always been extremely generous with Paraguay.”
He also reflected on Mercosur, reaffirming his commitment to the economic bloc but urging Brazil and Argentina to have a fresh look at some of Mercosur’s policies.
“We understand that we are in a complicated and tough neighborhood, but it is the only one we have got.” -Santiago Peña
Peña concluded by emphasizing the importance of Paraguay’s relationship with the United States, affirming that the United States has been a historically important ally for Paraguay. He showed appreciation for U.S. support in security and anti-corruption efforts but called out the gap between the image some Americans have of Paraguay and the reality of the country. For Peña, it is paramount “for people to know Paraguay and to recognize that we are players in the political game.”