Paraguay: The next leftist on the block

Aug 7th 2008 | ASUNCIÓN From The Economist print edition Measuring up Fernando Lugo’s plans for a misgoverned country WHEN Alfredo Stroessner, South America’s last dictator, was pushed out of office by a coup in 1989 it seemed that Paraguay had achieved a velvet revolution. It turned out to be made of velour. State terror and torture ended, and five tonnes of secret-police files documenting their practice appeared. But the Colorado Party, the creole fascist outfit that was the instrument of Stroessner’s rule, remained in power. That will finally change on August 15th when Fernando Lugo, the victor of last April’s presidential election, takes office. Almost two decades after Stroessner’s fall, Paraguay’s transition to democracy may at least mean something. But it will not be easy for Mr Lugo. He is a former missionary who... [read full story]