Fernando Lugo (FL): No, please. Thank you.

FL: Corruption in Paraguay has many aspects. To number them would be an endless task. However, it is possible to establish its main axis. First, the misappropriation of public funds, which is not only a matter of inappropriately using resources destined for a specific purpose and diverting them to other areas, but simply appropriating them for personal benefit. On the other hand we have the “coíma” or bribe; a real “national institution,” which makes most administrative transactions, investments and development project proposals subject to the payment of a determined amount of money by the interested party for approval or analysis to be carried out. The culture of privilege and political clientilism are also manifestations of the epidemic that is corruption, against which we intend to fight until eliminating it from public administration.

I would, however, like to make clear that corruption has not only been fed or feasted upon by the public sector. The private sector has been an accomplice in this practice, in many cases forced to do so. Through this, the private sector simplified or even illicitly cheapened its cost of doing business.

FL: Completely eliminating corruption, which has turned into a cultural custom, will undoubtedly be a very difficult task, but it is not impossible. It is risky to declare that we will achieve a total elimination in five years of government, but I am sure that we will have defeated, if not completely, then at least corruption’s most grotesque and damaging manifestations.

FL: First, as a basis, by auditing and establishing permanent controls by and within each of the government’s departments. Additionally, through the creation – which will be finalised at the appropriate time – of a National Anti-corruption Ministry, which will set the political and technical norms to elevate such a battle to the most institutionalised level possible.

FL: First of all, let me tell you that the strength of a coalition is not measured by the number of members it has in Congress. Its internal coherence and its ability to negotiate with other factions, are determining factors during its legislative period. In other words, only through dialogue can consensus be reached to achieve authentic governability in the country, even when in possession of a majority of one’s own in the National Congress.

FL: The reduction of poverty and inequality are fundamental elements of our political platform. I would not have resigned from my position as bishop, nor would I have entered political life, had I not had the will to eradicate poverty and social inequality in my country. A complete agricultural reform and economic growth, coupled with social equity, are basic objectives of my government, and don’t doubt for a minute that we will establish the foundation to achieve this.

Although the causes of poverty and socio-economic inequality are structural, this makes it no less true that corruption has been a contributing factor to their worsening. Every public good that is diverted towards ends that are not contributing to economic growth and social development is an aggravating element of such damage.

FL: Contraband is just one of many types of corruption, as is tax evasion and other issues. Strict control over the actions of elected officials working in import and export areas and the use of appropriate technological means to avoid all types of distortion will be our priority. Gradually, we will adjust the control mechanisms against this epidemic, which has been inherited from the previous disorder. On the regional level, our policy of control and the success that we expect through it, will be fundamental factors for a strong impact by Paraguay on the regional fight against contraband. This is not a one-sided battle. In order for goods and other products to enter or exit the country, both sides must cooperate. That is why talks and coordination with our neighbouring countries will be essential, as will controls on imports from more distant nations.

FL: Actually the methods [in place] to elect members of the Supreme Court of Justice and other courts require modification. This will, of course, be handled by the national congress firstly and finally by a National Constituting Convention assembled to reform the country’s constitution. There has to be a struggle for appointments that ensures the removal of political party influence from the judiciary, which in fact means for it to be made totally free from the influence of other state powers.

FL: We’ve always understood an ombudsman to be a defender of the people, which already exists in our country. On the other hand, I mentioned the creation of a National Anti-Corruption Ministry. And as if that wasn’t enough, we already have a General Comptroller’s office. Therefore, we don’t see a need for designating an “independent anti-corruption ombudsman”.

FL: It is public knowledge that not only this aspect but the entire basis of the general administration of both bi-national companies will be re-negotiated with our neighbours. We have already formed a special commission to assess all related aspects with Brazil and Argentina. In the framework of such negotiations, we will address these important matters.

FL: No. I would just like to express the complete willingness of the Paraguayan government to take into account all plans, suggestions and experiences that can be brought to us regarding the fight against corruption in other countries. We are facing a problem that affects the entire world; we are not facing an exclusively Paraguayan issue. Therefore, the fight must be coordinated and requires close international solidarity.

CPI Score (2007): 2.4

• Population: 6.1 million (UN, 2007)
• Capital: Asuncion
• Area: 406,752 sq km (157,048 sq miles)
• Major languages: Spanish, Guarani
• Major religion: Christianity
• Life expectancy: 70 years (men), 74 years (women) (UN)
• Monetary unit: 1 guarani = 100 centimos
• Main exports: Soyabeans, cotton, meat, edible oils, timber

• GNI per capita: US $1,280 (World Bank, 2006)

  - Source: BBC