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.

Paraguay: Same old, same old

Fernando Lugo, who won the Paraguayan presidency in April on the promise of ending decades of corruption by the incumbent Colorado party, has suffered his first setback. Both his nephew and the brother of vice-president elect Federico Franco have apparently been appointed to lucrative positions in the administration of the Yacyretá dam, one of the two bi-national hydroelectric plants which Paraguay shares with its neighbours. These massive dams have been the traditional milking-cow of corrupt Paraguayan governments.

Lugo breakfasts on the campaign trail in 2007. Photo Paul Scheltus

Angel Pompeyo Maidana Lugo is to receive a salary of between 7 and 9 million guarani or between 1750 and 2250 US dollars for environmental services, reports Ultima Hora. His appointment and that of Carlos Franco was a request of the 'transitional work group' claims the current director of the damn Paul Sarubbi. The work group's job is to prepare for the ascension of Lugo as president on August 15.

According to Mercedes Lugo, the mother of Angel and soon-to-be first lady, Yacyretá "did the right thing," by appointing her son, she told ABC Color. Curiously though, the Alliance for Change, Lugo's party, have denied the nomination and say they know nothing about it.

Angel Maidana's uncle and long-time Colorado party member, Pompeyo Lugo (photo, with moustache) also defended his nephew's appointment saying he should be earning "two to three times as much."

Both former bishop Fernando Lugo and Federico Franco are abroad and have not yet commented.