PARAGUAY · POLITICS
Key Facts
- Who Senator Zenaida Delgado of the governing Colorado Party denies taking money from Senate staff in exchange for jobs.
- What Eight senators want her removed under Article 201 of the Constitution for improper use of influence.
- When A Senate commission hears her at 1:30 p.m. ET today; the full Senate votes Wednesday, Nov. 4.
- Numbers Legislative sources count about 30 of the 45 senators in favour of removal and 14 undecided.
- Open She said Oct. 28 she would resign; her lawyer said Oct. 29 she will face the process.
Published Monday, Nov. 2, 2026, 4 a.m. ET · Source: Paraguayan Senate proceedings and statements of the parties
Paraguay’s Senate is preparing to vote on whether to strip one of its own members of her seat, over accusations that she took money from staff in exchange for jobs. Senator Zenaida Delgado of the governing Colorado Party, known as ANR, denies wrongdoing and appears before a Senate commission today.
The case is moving fast, with a hearing today and a vote of the full chamber on Wednesday. Legislative sources count about 30 of the 45 senators in favour of removal.
What Happens This Week
The Senate Constitutional Affairs Commission hears Delgado’s defence today, Monday, Nov. 2, at 3:30 p.m. in Paraguay (1:30 p.m. ET). The commission is chaired by Javier Zacarías Irún of the Colorado Party, and she may bring her lawyers.
The full Senate is due to take up the petition in an extraordinary session, a special sitting outside the regular calendar, on Wednesday, Nov. 4, with the item first on the agenda. Senate President Basilio “Bachi” Núñez had earlier spoken of a Tuesday session, before senators set the later date.
What the Petition Says
Eight senators filed the petition on Oct. 26, led by Yolanda Paredes of the Cruzada Nacional party, an opposition group. It cites Article 201 of the Constitution and gives improper use of influence as the ground.
Several Senate employees say Delgado demanded money to keep or obtain their jobs, in what Paraguayan media call a “salary toll” (peaje salarial). The case followed reporting by Radio Monumental, a Paraguayan radio station.
Delgado’s Response
Delgado has denied wrongdoing and told Radio Monumental in a text message: “You will see I am not the corrupt person they say.” On Oct. 28 she also wrote that she would resign and submit to justice.
On Oct. 29 her lawyer, Óscar Tuma, said she will not resign and prefers to face the process of losing her seat. He also described an agreement with three of the complainants that, he said, is not financial and only ends the public dispute.
How Close Is the Vote?
Legislative sources count about 30 of the 45 senators in favour of removal and 14 undecided. That leaves the outcome open until the chamber votes.
Delgado would be the sixth senator to leave the chamber this term by removal or resignation, by a count in the Paraguayan press. The five before her were removed or expelled in 2024, 2025 and 2026, or resigned in May 2026.
What It Means for US Readers
A removal vote would show a governing party willing to discipline its own members. A failed vote or a resignation would leave that question open.
Investors following Paraguay’s political stability can read about foreign investment in Paraguay alongside this case. No link to the United States has been reported.
What Is Not Known
The outcome of today’s hearing is not yet known, and the reports reviewed mention no criminal charges against Delgado. She is presumed innocent.
It is also unclear whether about 30 votes will hold on Nov. 4 or whether she will resign before then. The sums the complainants allege are left out because the reports differ.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zenaida Delgado accused of?
Senate employees say she demanded money to keep or obtain jobs, in a so-called salary toll. She denies wrongdoing and is presumed innocent.
When will the Senate decide?
The full Senate is due to take up the petition in an extraordinary session on Wednesday, Nov. 4. Legislative sources count about 30 votes in favour.
Has Delgado resigned?
Not according to the reports reviewed. She wrote on Oct. 28 that she would resign, but her lawyer said on Oct. 29 that she will face the process.
How many senators support removal?
Legislative sources count about 30 of the 45 senators in favour and 14 undecided. Those numbers can change before the vote.
Sources: Statements of the Senate Constitutional Affairs Commission and the parties, 26 October to 2 November 2026, as published by Prensa Mercosur, ABC Color, RDN and Última Hora.
This article was produced by The Rio Times’ automated newsroom system. How we use AI · Report an error · Editorial responsibility: Matthias Camenzind, Editor-in-Chief