There's a new hope in the air after last weekend's elections. Many could hardly believe that the reign of the Colorado Party was finally over. The atmosphere at work on Monday was reminiscent of the 1997 defeat of the Conservative Party by Labour in the general elections. Everyone was smiling and no-one talked about anything else. Newspapers are calling the 20th April 2008 the second most important date in recent history (after the 3rd of February 1989, when the dictator Stroessner died). It is the first time ever that power has passed from one party to another without bloodshed. According to one commentator, Lugo's win has brought back the desire to live in this country where so many have known nothing but disappointment, broken promises and corruption for so long. Many Paraguayans who have gone abroad in search of work are now considering returning because of this change. No-one knows just what Lugo will do once he takes control of the country, but people obviously have faith in him; he inspires confidence in a way the Colorados had not done for a long time.
On Friday, the vice-president elect, Federico Franco (on left in photo with Fernando Lugo), told the newspapers that he had been offered US$1,000,000 by an organisation if he would sign a document for them. He refused to say who it was or what it was for. He made it quite clear in his statement to the press that he never accepted any kind of bribe from anyone in his previous roles of mayor and governor and would continue to reject any offers made to him in the future. This is truly hope-inspiring news! Corruption is one of the three biggest problems in the country, according to Paraguayans (the other two being poverty and lack of jobs) and if the new administration has started out being this transparent, it bodes well for the future. I'm feeling quite excited for Paraguay!
