Paraguay's new president has officially taken office.
On August 15, Mr. Horacio Cartes was officially sworn in as President of Paraguay with a commitment to fight poverty and strengthen relations with countries in the region.
Speaking at his inauguration, new President Horacio Cartes said: “If we cannot reduce poverty sustainably in the next five years, our work will be in vain.”
Paraguayan President-elect Hoiracio Cartes (Source: THX/TTXVN)
Despite its abundant freshwater resources, fertile land and hydroelectric power, Paraguay has a poverty rate of 32%. Speaking after being sworn in, Mr. Cartes pledged that his government would provide opportunities for all citizens in the fields of health, education and employment. He said he would promote agricultural reform and attract investment, developing the economy commensurate with the country's potential.
In foreign affairs, the government will move the country out of isolation after a political trial in Congress led to the ouster of President Fernando Lugo last June, an act viewed by neighboring countries as a parliamentary coup.
Immediately after his inauguration, Mr. Cartes swore in 11 ministers who will accompany him for the next five years. The members of his cabinet are not prominent party politicians but technocrats.
Also in his speech, Mr. Cartes emphasized the need to maintain sincere relations with countries in the region. The inauguration ceremony of the new Paraguayan President was attended by the Presidents of Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Peru, and Uruguay.
Mr. Cartes, 57 years old, is a famous businessman who controls 25 businesses, including a bank, Paraguay's largest cigar manufacturer and a famous soft drink factory.
He was elected President of Paraguay in the April 21 election with 45% of the vote. Mr. Cartes' victory marked the return of the Color Party to power in the South American country of 6.6 million people, but nearly 40% of the population lives in poverty.
The Color Party held power in Paraguay for 61 consecutive years before losing to leftist candidate Fernando Lugo in 2008. However, in June 2012, the country's Congress overthrew President Fernando Lugo in a parliamentary coup.
Because of this event, Paraguay was suspended from membership in the Southern Common Market (Mercosur) and the Union of South American Nations (Unasur).
So far, only Mercosur (consisting of 5 member countries: Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay and Venezuela) has decided to restore Paraguay's membership since July 11. Meanwhile, Unasur said it is still considering lifting measures against Paraguay./.
According to (TTXVN) - DT
