Luis González Macchi

president of Paraguay

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July 16, 2026

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Luis González Macchi served as president of Paraguay from March 1999 to August 2003. He assumed the presidency following the assassination of Vice President Luis María Argaña and the subsequent resignation of President Raúl Cubas Grau. González Macchi, formerly the head of the Senate, led a "government of national unity" composed of members from Paraguay's three major political parties.1

His administration faced pressure from international bodies like the United States and the International Monetary Fund to implement reforms, including changes to the civil service, privatization of industries, and increased civilian control over the armed forces. Despite these efforts, his term was marked by corruption charges. He was later indicted on corruption charges, along with former president Juan Carlos Wasmosy.123

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Paraguay
Democratic freedoms
At the end of March, Luis González Macchi, former head of the Senate, was sworn in as president to head a new “government of national unity,” comprising members of all three major political parties. Under strong external pressure from the United States and the International Monetary Fund, the new government…
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At the end of March, Luis González Macchi, former head of the Senate, was sworn in as president to head a new “government of national unity,” comprising members of all three major political parties. Under strong external pressure from the United States and the International Monetary Fund, the new government…
Read More