Lugo fumes at the press

The controversial nephew has finally quit. Angel Pompeyo Maidana Lugo, who's uncle Fernando Lugo was elected president of Paraguay on April 20, has stepped down from his job as environmental consultant at Paraguay's Yacyretá hydroelectric damn after controversy arose over his appointment so soon after his uncle's election win. Carlos Alberto Franco, the brother of vice-president-elect Federico Franco, also quit his brand new job at the damn.

Although Ángel Pompeyo was forced into quitting by his uncle, according to Ultima Hora, Fernando Lugo was in no mood to discuss his decision with reporters this morning. As he walked down the Congress steps he lashed out "if the dictatorial press will let me, I'd like to get through."

Perhaps a poor choice of words for someone who was elected to bring about the end of 60 years of one-party rule in impoverished Paraguay. Add to that the fact that his victory was due in no small part to the relentless pressure of the media on the incumbent Colorado Party, and you can see why Lugo isn't getting of to such a great start.

Photo Ultima Hora.