Paraguayan President Warns of Leftist Violence at UN General Assembly
In a recent address at the UN General Assembly, Paraguay’s conservative president, Santiago Peña, issued a stark warning about the dangers of leftist violence. He referenced the assassination of Colombian senator Miguel Uribe Turbay and Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk as examples of this growing threat.
During his third speech at the UNGA, Peña called for a strong response to the troubling reactions from the left following these assassinations, emphasizing that political violence undermines democratic values.
Peña reiterated Paraguay’s support for Israel’s right to self-protection against extremist threats, reaffirmed the nation’s long-standing relations with Taiwan, and criticized the oppressive regime in Venezuela and the treatment of politicians and Catholics in Nicaragua.
Reflecting on his visit to New York, Peña expressed the initial desire to share positive developments awaiting Paraguay. However, he acknowledged, “Indeed, on recent days, we have seen evil, radical ideology, and intolerance unfortunately take root in certain sectors of our society,” citing the cases of Uribe and Kirk.
He remarked, “Intolerance and hatred took the lives of great individuals like Miguel Uribe, who was tragically assassinated during a public event. I had hoped that violence was a past concern for my Colombian brothers and sisters.” He also alluded to the disturbing fate of Charlie Kirk and his family.
Peña emphasized the importance of civil discourse, stating, “Both relied on the most peaceful methods possible to express their ideas. Open discussion is essential, and we should remain respectful, avoiding violence.” He warned that the ominous response to such events should compel society to wake from complacency.
He called for a collective response to maintain democracy, urging everyone to recognize that “darkness seeks to extinguish the light.” Peña asserted that this is not the time for inactivity, declaring, “We must choose the side of peace and reason, not violence and intolerance.” He expressed that future generations would remember the stands taken during these challenging times.
Political violence, he asserted, is “immoral, unacceptable, and very harmful,” insisting it should be condemned without hesitation. He pointed out that such acts are not isolated incidents but part of a troubling pattern that should not be downplayed amidst rising extremism, often overlooked by governments.
On the topic of economic relations, Peña criticized “deceptive economic models” linked to authoritarian regimes, highlighting the dangers of compromising sovereignty for investment. He stated that maintaining independence is crucial for a healthy democracy and economy, advocating for partnerships based on shared values like personal freedom and respect for life from conception.
Peña celebrated Paraguay’s 67-year friendship with Taiwan, arguing for its recognition in global organizations as a matter of justice, admitting that decisions aligning with Taiwan might carry financial costs but are fundamentally valuable.
He reiterated Paraguay’s unwavering support for Israel’s right to defend itself, condemning terrorist attacks while dismissing comparisons between Israeli actions and those of groups like Hamas as fundamentally flawed.
Peña remarked that anti-Semitism is not an outdated issue but a current obstacle that illustrates the cycle of violence and hatred introduced earlier in his speech.
Concluding on an optimistic note, Peña expressed hope for a better future, asserting, “We Paraguayans build it every day. I invite you to join us in leaving a better world for our children and grandchildren — one with more democracy, freedom, tolerance, and justice.” He ended with a vision of hope, stating, “A world where hope triumphs over pessimism, light overcomes darkness, and good prevails over evil.”
