The era of Fernando Lugo commenced in Paraguay
August 30, 2008
More than ever guests from almost 100 countries of the world came to attend the inauguration of Lugo. Eduardo Galeano, Ernesto Cardenal and Leonardo Boff — famous progressive writers and philosophers were singled out among presidents and rulers.
Rafael Correa, president of Ecuador at his press-conference in Asuncion has rightfully noted that election of Lugo became another evidence of changes that take place on the Latin American continent: «neo-liberal governments go into oblivion».
Journalists immediately demanded from Correa clarification whether these changes, he was speaking about, would lead to building of socialism in Latin America. «Definitely, - replied Correa, - I am a socialist and Ecuadorian government is socialist, we are building the socialism of the 21st century».
At the first press-conference after inauguration Fernando Lugo confirmed that he would not avoid such presidents as Hugo Chavez or Evo Morales, «satanised by world mass media»: «Everybody advises me to keep away from Chavez or Evo. But I am not afraid of Evo or anybody else». «They wanted to break down Paraguay, make it silent, but the country has risen and the voice of the people has been heard!» - stated the new president.
First of all he refused from presidential salary in favour of poor. Then he signed a couple of dozens of decrees. Many of them were about the military leadership of the country. Lugo has replaced almost all army top commanders. They were replaced by young officers, who were distinguished in service.
«Never again the army will be used against the people, from now on it will serve the society» - that is how Lugo commented his decrees and notified that if needed, the army would have to carry out humanitarian tasks.
Naturally, it won't be easy to the new president. First of all that he does not enjoy support in the two-chamber congress. We may say that there are almost no his supporters. The guarantee of power will be only the support of people. Lugo has already stated that if the parliament is impeding the work of the government, he will call a nationwide referendum.
With the new president the foreign policy of Paraguay will definitely change. Lugo believes that the United States will take into consideration the changes on the continent and will stop to dictate their conditions. Thomas Shannon, representative of Washington has recently visited Paraguay, met leaders of the country and in a rather peace-loving manner said that the USA sought improvement of relations between the two countries, respected the sovereignty of Paraguay and its right to choose its partners. According to Shannon there is no «axis of evil» on the continent, but certain countries look for their own way of solving the problems of poverty and social inequality.
As is known, the years of ruling of the party Colorado, coincided with the 35 year long period of military dictatorship of Alfredo Stroessner (1954-1989). As president Fernando Lugo said about the responsibility of the state for death of thousands of its citizens from the military hands. He accused the state terrorism and on behalf of the state power asked forgiveness of his countrymen and relatives of victims of the regime.
The president has stated that the dictatorship, supported by the USA, left the country backward and up to the eyes in corruption. The economic system that was formed in the country serves exclusively the interests of private capital, large companies and latifundia. Paraguay and its people need changes.
The time will show whether Lugo will manage to implement them. Hardly had he stepped out of the presidential palace, when certain opposition forces started to conspire. Security service of Lugo possesses the corresponding information.
In conclusion we may say that the duties of the first lady of the state will be performed by the elder sister of Lugo – Mercedes. She is 66, and she is a former teacher. At her high post, apart giving a comprehensive assistance to her brother, she plans to deal with humanitarian projects in Indian communities.