Who is paraguays leader

Gen Stroessner ruled the country from to and is viewed by critics as one of Latin America's most secretive and sinister dictators. The new president has recently tried to distance himself from his father Mario Abdo Sr's political background, saying that he wants to be called by his nickname rather than the first name that he shares with his late father. I am Marito," he said. However, media in Paraguay noted that he drove to his inauguration in a white Chevrolet used by Gen Stroessner to attend military parades.

The car belongs to Mr Abdo's family and has been used by other presidents following the return to democracy, including his predecessor, Horacio Cartes. Conservative wins Paraguay presidency. Some of the protesters clashed with police, who responded with tear gas and rubber bullets. Shops were ransacked and cars set on fire amid the chaos and about 20 people were reported injured. Earlier, Health Minister Julio Mazzoleni resigned after fierce criticism from lawmakers and from health service unions.

Then on Saturday, the government's Communications Minister, Juan Manuel Brunetti, said President Abdo was holding talks with advisers to "evaluate yesterday's situations". Brazil virus spread 'threatens Paraguay's success'. Image source, Reuters. Anti-government anger exploded into violence in Asuncion on Friday night.

Clashes broke out on Friday evening between protesters and police in the centre of the capital, Asuncion. Rioters hurled stones at the officers, who in turn used rubber bullets and tear gas. The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights IACHR on Saturday expressed concerns over reports that police used excessive force against people during the protests, while calling on the authorities to investigate complaints of human rights violations.

The demonstrations came amid growing outrage over a surging COVID pandemic in Paraguay, where infections hit record levels and hospitals have been pushed to the brink of collapse. Mazzoleni had been under attack from legislators, including some from the governing party, and by health worker unions.

On Friday, Mazzoleni announced after a meeting with the president that he had submitted his resignation.