Global Economic Times

Mayor of Ciudad del Este, Miguel Prieto, Delivers Strong Message to Executive and Opposition; Massive Demonstration Expresses Support: Pedro Espinola Special Correspondent / Updated : 2025-05-26 08:09:53

CIUDAD DEL ESTE — A large caravan demonstration in support of Miguel Prieto, the Mayor of Ciudad del Este, was held in the region, where opposition politicians and Mayor Prieto himself delivered strong messages to the Executive Branch and regarding requests for intervention in the Ciudad del Este Municipal Government.

Thousands of citizens gathered as municipal authorities and members of Congress, including the impeached Senator Kattya González (of the PEN party), took the stage to express their support for Mayor Prieto.

During his speech, Mayor Miguel Prieto fiercely criticized President Santiago Peña and Vice President Pedro Alliana.

"I take this opportunity to send a message to our President who travels so much. Mr. President, we are not targeting you. But stop messing with our ears. Stop messing with the ears of the people," he exclaimed, following chants from the crowd proclaiming, "Beloved Miguel, the people are with you."

Mayor Prieto continued, asserting that Ciudad del Este is solely dedicated to "quietly running the city" and "working for the citizens." He passionately challenged the head of the Executive Branch, shouting, "But stop messing with our ears. If you want war, you will have war!"

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Meanwhile, Mayor Prieto referred to Vice President Alliana as "useless." This was in response to Alliana, who was acting president during Peña's international trips, having formally requested members of the Chamber of Deputies to seek intervention in the municipalities of Asunción and Ciudad del Este.

In an agitated tone, Mayor Prieto exclaimed, "Do you think you can stop us in 2028 like this? We will crush you with votes!" a declaration met with cheers from the demonstrators.

He continued, "Your candidacy starts dead, and it will end dead. If you think that this way we are going to back down and be afraid of you. Never. We will only kneel before God and before no human being. Now the people will be the only and true power of the Republic of Paraguay."

Strong Support Expressed by Opposition Figures

Prior to Mayor Prieto, members of his 'Yo Creo' (I Believe) team and members of Congress took the microphone. Lawyer Guillermo Ferreiro, who is representing Mayor Prieto in his defense, also delivered a speech, as reported by Última Hora correspondent Wilson Ferreira.

Guillermo Ferreiro asserted that the same individuals who plotted the removal of former capital mayor Mario Ferreiro are now pushing for the removal of the Ciudad del Este mayor. He also referred to Comptroller General Camilo Benítez, stating, "He will resign or be expelled. We will kick him out."

In the same vein, Daniel Pereira Mujica, the next candidate for Mayor of Ciudad del Este from the 'Yo Creo' movement, also spoke.

Senators Rubén Velázquez and Representatives Walter García and Guillermo Rodríguez, all from Mayor Prieto's political team, also emphasized the power of the people and the vote to resist the request for municipal intervention being promoted by the ruling party. Representative Johana Ortega (of the PPS party) also joined the event.

Regarding their political leader, Representative García stated, "Do not touch the citizens of Ciudad del Este. God and the homeland willing, we will have him as President. I am sure. In 2028, this country will have the representation it deserves."

Congresswoman Kattya González warned, "Just as they did to me yesterday, today they come to tell us that our vote is invalid. This is what the drug cartel mafia government wants. They come to tell that Miguel Prieto's vote is worth nothing. They are going after everyone, and they have a plan."