A genocidal "nationalist anarchist" is pulling double-digits in Paraguay
Paraguay is an often unremarked-upon country in international media. Despite having almost double the population of nearby Uruguay, coverage of the nation’s upcoming presidential election is sparse outside of the region. But this time around, there could be ample reason for global political observers to take note.
Paraguayo Cubas, known as “Payo,” has surged in recent months to double digits polling across almost all surveys. A former Senator known for his repeated headline-grabbing stunts, Cubas was expelled from the Paraguayan legislature in 2019 for his infamous comments calling for the murder of 100,000 Brazilian-Paraguays, a group colloquially known as “Brasiguayos.” The remarks were so shocking, they were covered in Brazil, drawing widespread condemnation.
Cubas describes himself as a “nationalist anarchist,” and has made corruption in Paraguay the focus of his campaign, going as far as to propose the death penalty be instituted for embezzling officials. While his “National Crusade” party is not projected for a major entrance into Congress, appearing at just 5% of the vote, the Cubas surge is shocking Paraguay’s political scene, with one pollster seeing him vault to second place.
Despite being a relative long-shot candidate in an election that takes place just ten days from the time of publishing this, a significant result for Cubas could establish his presence in the Paraguayan political landscape. In the event he somehow ended up in second place- still very unlikely, according to all other polls- it would be a titanic shift in line with the emergence of the radical right around the world.
In neighboring Argentina, for example, a major candidate for president has declared himself an “anarcho-capitalist,” and often professed his support and admiration for Brazil’s Jair Bolsonaro. Figures like the Philippines’ Duterte have become models for leaders championing the use of indiscriminate state violence.
The last Mexican presidential election saw a minor candidate, Jaime Rodríguez Calderón (nicknamed “El Bronco”) make headlines for his proposal to “cut off the hands” of corrupt officials, and restore the death penalty in Mexico. In Guatemala, the daughter of a genocidal dictator who is openly apologetic for her father has a chance to be the next president, according to polls.
Cubas may not win, but cementing himself as a political player could still have huge consequences. Among his proposals is a call for completely overhauling Paraguay’s constitution. If he’s ever in position to implement or influence such a plan, one can only imagine what could come of it.