Amilcar Ferreira, an economist and candidate for the Senate for the Encuentro Nacional (Concertación) party, said it took him 45 days to decide to get involved in politics. He maintained that he enters after an invitation from the PEN authorities.
Among his objectives are working on four state reforms if he is elected.
What are your expectations?
I accepted the challenge, I think I can contribute with my experience and training from the Senate. I have particular interest in some lines. One of them is institutional strengthening. Paraguay must take that step of beginning to function as a republic. I think that in 1989 we conquered democracy but we still don’t have a republic. State institutions are very weak, which is what they clearly point out as the reason why it has not yet reached investment grade.
What will be your goals if you are elected senator?
I plan to promote four reforms that the country has been postponing for several years. The pension reform that has to do with the deficit of the fiscal burden. Then the reform of the health system, the reform of the civil service and the reform of public purchases. I believe that with my experience and training I can contribute to promoting and discussing these four reforms that should be made at the very beginning of the next government period. Basically those are the axes I’m most interested in.
How did this foray into politics come about?
It was an invitation made to me by people from the Encuentro Nacional party (PEN), a month and a half ago. I had been thinking about it. It is not an easy decision for me because I have my activities organized in the private sector. After much discussion with family and close friends, I made the decision to do my bit and participate in the Encuentro Nacional match. I made the decision last weekend, on Sunday after a family meeting where, talking to them, I finally took the step.
Who is Amilcar Ferreira?
I am a person with training in the area of finance. I have a master’s degree in business administration and a specialization in business economics. I also work as a teacher as a postgraduate professor at different universities and also in master’s programs in Paraguay. I run a consulting firm called SEI, Intelligent Business Solutions, where we provide financial advice to many important companies in Paraguay.
How do you see the performance of Abdo Benítez?
I believe that the Government has had to face very negative situations, very serious, such as the pandemic. Before came the drought and the floods. Recently the war between Ukraine and Russia. The tailwinds between 2004 and 2014 that we registered during the governments of Nicanor, Lugo and Cartes are now the opposite. His administration was marred by acts of corruption. And on the other hand there is a very tough confrontation between the factions of Abdo and that of former president Cartes.
What do you think of Justice?
Institutional weakness passes through the control of politicians or the economic power of institutions. Mainly referred to Justice. I am very critical in that aspect that it does a lot of damage to the country. Politicians and businessmen control the institutions of Justice, I think it is a central issue of democracy and the country’s economy. I think everyone sees that, foreign governments and rating agencies. I am very critical of that and I think that we must overcome it.
A message to the citizens
I believe that Paraguay is a place with enormous potential. I always travel abroad and they tell me that our country is the promise of South America, the next investment grade country. But we have a cultural issue to build with serious and solid institutions. And that implies a cultural change, electing the best people we can have in Paraguay. Good professionals who give luster to the public function. And be demanding with appointments.
