Isolated, Federico Franco seeks support from his neighbors.
In his first interview, Paraguay's new president asks for help and understanding from Mercosur countries.
Renata Giraldi
Special Correspondent
Asunción (Paraguay), Agência Brasil – The new president of Paraguay, Federico Franco, said last night (22) that he will strive to maintain a good relationship with neighboring countries and meet the expectations of Paraguayans. Franco takes office amid criticism from South American presidents who distrust the speed of the process. impeachment of former president Fernando Lugo on suspicion of political maneuvering.
It was Franco's first press conference just two hours after being sworn in. He answered seven questions, addressing domestic and foreign policy issues, and announced the names of three members of his government team. The names announced were those of the Minister of the Interior, Carmello Caballero, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, José Félix Fernández, and the head of the National Police, Aldo Pastore.
"To the presidents of Mercosur, I want to say that they understand the situation. We will make an effort to normalize it," said the new president. "What is important for us is to maintain a good relationship with our neighboring countries," he added, leaving open whether he intends to participate in the Mercosur Summit meeting in Mendoza, Argentina, next week.
Franco emphasized, at least three times, that the government follows and respects the Paraguayan Constitution. This statement is a response to the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR), which raises doubts about the legitimacy of Lugo's impeachment process, how it was conducted, and the speed of the action. On the streets of Asunción, the Paraguayan capital, Lugo's supporters also have doubts about the process that removed him from power.
However, in his interview, Franco opted for a more conciliatory and less combative tone. "The most important thing to do is stay in the country to get things in order," he said. In an attempt to dispel misunderstandings, he added that the press has a fundamental role, including that of reassuring people.
However, the new president was categorical in saying that he intends to fight the Paraguayan People's Army (EPP) guerrilla group uncompromisingly, as he considers it outside the law. According to him, he will act in the same way with those who transgress the law. "There will be zero tolerance for those who are outside the law," he said.
Franco mentioned the most delicate issue in Paraguayan domestic politics, which ultimately worsened Lugo's hold on power – support for peasants and agrarian reform. The new president said that this issue is a priority for him and that he will link agrarian reform to industrialization and improving the quality of life in rural areas. "It is necessary to guarantee schools and healthcare, as well as adequate conditions, so that people want to stay in the countryside."