After Hugo Velázquez was accused of corruption by the United States and confirmed that he would step down from the Paraguay vice presidency, he backed down and assured that he would continue to fulfill the task.
At a press conference, the politician argued that he would remain in office until he received more details about the reasons for which he was indicted by the US State Department.
“I got calls from senators asking me to wait to submit my resignation. My fear was that the Public Ministry had filed an indictment against me, and thank God they didn’t. I should at least know what happened against me, Velázquez, who confirmed he had the support of Paraguayan President Mario Abdo Benítez.
The politician was accused of attempting corruption in the public office for allegedly receiving US$1 million in bribes by the United States. The money could have been Velázquez’s way of avoiding an investigation against a national hydroelectric power station.
“The only truth people need to know is that there was nothing concrete in the investigation and it was only last night that I made the decision not to resign for the time being, in the hope that something concrete would emerge that would justify my resignation.” vice president..
However, Velázquez is not expected to run in the Colorado Party primaries in December, which will determine the shorthand’s candidate for the April 2023 election.
Last week, US officials accused Velázquez of “significant corruption” and banned the 54-year-old from entering the country.
source: Noticias
