Fernando Lugo was sworn into presidency on the 15th.  As of now his popularity rate is 93% as reported by IPS.  He aims to battle the economic and political problems of the country with a focus on education and immigration.  He stated, “Today a new country is born, where the authorities will be relentless with those who steal from the people.”  Lugo specifically addresses the problems of indigenous peoples in Paraguay by stating that he will help them recover their ancestral lands.  He further emphasizes his devotion by dressing in a Guaraní cotton shirt and sandles.  I guess this is his symbol of humbleness and his devotion to his people.  His dress also signals an equality stance, for he does not dress as a professional but an equal.  An important statement made by Lugo towards indigenous peoples was when he said, “Crimes against indigenous people will no longer go unpunished.”  This is a major accomplishment for the indigenous peples of Paraguay, as many times the law is not upheld to the same standards as they only represent around 1% of the population, as IPS pointed out.  It is about time that minorities are protected in every country.

As I have followed the Paraguay elections and wrote a little about it I hope for the people that Lugo is able to accomplish some of his goals, as to fulfill them all in 5 years is unpractible.  More importantly, I hope his words are not false promises.  To me it will be interesting how power will affect him, and I hope he will stand by his Liberation theory, and how much religion he will inflict in the law.  IPS noted he is nicknamed the “bishop of the poor” but as we often see many time power corrupts good people and they loose sight of their vision, especially in a country that is in economic shambles.  Now he has 93% popular rate, I’m sure it will change as people do not see change within the country right away.  I do not mean to seem cynical like I said I hope he can stabilize the country, and I realize that hope is good for people, it just sounds like what every country wants and needs…better education, equality, better economy, and less corruption.  It will be a hard road for Lugo, when he has to start from scratch.