Areguá Elections 2026: Candidates’ Campaign Funding Revealed
Areguá, Paraguay – Candidates vying for the mayoral office in Areguá have publicly disclosed their campaign finances, revealing significant disparities in available resources ahead of the internal party elections on June 7th. Pablo Ayala, a candidate backed by current Intendant Denis Torres and convicted senator Erico Galeano, declared the largest war chest, with 500 million guaraníes (approximately $67,000 USD) in personal savings allocated for campaign expenses.
Ayala’s financial disclosure indicates he will rely solely on personal funds and utilize his private vehicle for campaign travel. Julio Trinidad, another candidate within the Colorado Party and supported by Minister Tadeo Rojas, reported having 50 million guaraníes (approximately $6,700 USD) from personal savings. He did not disclose any donations, contributions, or loans, nor did he declare any campaign transportation.
Melanio Franco, representing the Republican Force faction of the Colorado Party, stated he possesses 60 million guaraníes (approximately $8,000 USD) for campaign activities, also from personal savings. Timoteo Medina, affiliated with Colorado Renovador, plans to spend just 500,000 guaraníes (approximately $67 USD) and will not accept donations, contributions, or loans, and lacks dedicated campaign transportation. Fátima Ayala, representing Añeteté, declared 1 million guaraníes (approximately $1,333 USD) in personal savings for her campaign.
On the opposition Liberal Party side, Luis Villarreal, running under the New Liberalism banner, reported 200 million guaraníes (approximately $26,667 USD) in cash derived from his salary. He will use his personal truck for campaign travel. Villarreal has positioned himself as a candidate for change, but has faced scrutiny for his loyalty to Intendant Torres during his time as a council member. Reports indicate a relative of Villarreal’s has benefitted from a municipal land allocation.
Luis Villalba, a current council member and former Intendant, is running under the Cambio Radical movement. He declared 10,764,706 guaraníes (approximately $1,433 USD) in savings for campaign spending, with 5 million guaraníes (approximately $667 USD) earmarked for advertising and propaganda. Claudia Díaz, sponsored by Senator Dionisio Amarilla, declared 5 million guaraníes (approximately $667 USD) for her campaign. Juan Dario Ortíz, representing the Youth Team faction, stated he has 50 million guaraníes (approximately $6,700 USD) available for proselytism.
The financial disclosures come after a period of political maneuvering surrounding Senator Erico Galeano, who was initially granted the honorary title of “Hijo Dilecto” (Distinguished Son) of Areguá despite his conviction on drug trafficking charges. Following public outcry and criticism, the Areguá Municipal Council revoked the resolution granting Galeano the title. Luis Villarreal and Pablo Ayala, both seeking the mayorship, faced criticism for their initial support of the honorific title, ultimately leading to its revocation. The decision to overturn the resolution followed a failed attempt on March 12th, when council members loyal to Intendant Torres abandoned a session to prevent a vote on the matter.