Latin America's leftwing swells with new Paraguay president

0 Comments | AFP, August, 2008

ASUNCION (AFP) — An ex-bishop who ended 61 years of one-party conservative rule in Paraguay, Fernando Lugo, was sworn in Friday as his nation's president, further swelling the ranks of leftwing leaders in South America.

Ideologically aligned leaders, including Venezuela's Hugo Chavez, Brazil's Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, Argentina's Cristina Kirchner, Chile's Michelle Bachelet, Bolivia's Evo Morales and Ecuador's Rafael Correa attended the ceremony in Asuncion.

"I am a layman thankful to his church, anchored by his faith and his humble background," a teary-eyed Lugo, wearing sandals and a simple white shirt, said as he took over from outgoing president Nicanor Duarte.

Lugo in an April election bested Duarte's Colorado Party, which had held power since 1947....