Paraguay: Between Social Mobilizations and Electoral Realignment

Resumen

This article synthesizes the main economic, social and political events that took place in Paraguay during the year 2015. Framed within the context of an economic slowdown, non-conventional political participation gained strength through social mobilizations that showed the Paraguayan citizen’s greater capacity to articulate their demands and achieve their collective goals. On the other hand, the elections at the municipal level displayed anelectoral realignment; they showed the widespread historical control of the incumbent party throughout the territory but also highlighted the potential of electoral alliances among opposition parties. The democratic responsiveness of Paraguay’s political system remainsin question, facing growing challenges due to its historical shortcomings and the increasing demands of the citizens.