Paper short abstract:

This paper examines the administration of Fernando Lugo in Paraguay from his election in 2008 to the 'parliamentary coup' of June 2012. It argues that his bold programme of social and political reform was blocked by traditional political elites whose actions pushed the limits of democracy.

Paper long abstract:

On June 22 2012 Fernando Lugo was removed from power by Congress on the grounds of 'poor performance of duty'. This 'lightening impeachment' or 'parliamentary coup' put a premature end to an administration that had come to power on a wave of popular support and had promised a programme of social and political reforms to address Paraguay's problems of poverty, inequality and corruption. This paper examines the administration of Fernando Lugo from the popular euphoria of 2008 through his failed attempts to get his reform programme through congress to the crisis of June 2012. It will analyse Lugo's leadership, but also the challenges to the presidency and his policies and the role of political opposition, powerful lobby groups and the media to block reform and undermine his administration in ways that pushed the limits of constitutionality and indeed democracy.