Expert available to comment on coup in Paraguay
26 June 2012
Dr Peter Lambert, a specialist in Paraguayan politics, is available for interview about the parliamentary coup in Paraguay. He is Associate Dean (Learning and Teaching) in the University of Bath's Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences.
He said: "Following the resignation of President Fernando Lugo of Paraguay on Friday 22 June, international concern has grown over what has been seen as a parliamentary coup d'etat. The president, elected on a platform of social reform in 2008, was impeached by Congress on the grounds of “poor performance”. While technically the impeachment process did not violate the Constitution, it has been widely seen as a politically motivated action by the two traditional parties, both of which opposed his agenda of social reform, and a blow to Paraguay’s fragile democracy. Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay have all recalled their ambassadors and are discussing sanctions, while many other Latin American countries have refused to recognise what they have termed an illegitimate government.
"The events of last Friday are the culmination of consistent attempts by the opposition since 2008 to undermine the government, block its reform agenda, and create a climate to distrust, tension and insecurity. This not only reflects the highly conservative nature of Paraguay's political elites and their tendency to place self and party interests above the national interest, but also the very fragile nature of Paraguayan democracy. With the fall of Lugo, long overdue and desperately needed social reforms to address Paraguay's high levels of poverty and inequality, remain on the distant horizon."
If you would like to interview Peter Lambert please call Alison Jones in the University of Bath press office on Tel: 01225 386986 or email: press@bath.ac.uk
