Reseña

The Spanish version of this book emerged at the urging of friends, colleagues, and former students at the university. I hesitated at first. I have never thought of myself as a public figure whose life story would draw attention. Who, after all, would be interested in reading it? Perhaps some might be curious about my work as Minister of Finance, but recounting episodes of public service in isolation would make little sense without situating them within the broader context of my life–parts of my story I do not usually share, and certainly not in a public arena.
Those close to me encouraged a different approach: to write about my academic trajectory, to share life experiences, to reveal where I come from, who I am, my dreams and ambitions, as well as the missteps and doubts that, despite everything, never deterred me from pursuing the goals I hoped to achieve.
Every path I have taken has been guided by a conviction: that the State has an obligation to provide macroeconomic stability conducive to development; to generate decent employment; to combat poverty and inequality; and to supply public goods and services that increase productivity and improve living standards for the vast majority. It was that conviction that led me, as an economist, to devote a significant part of my life to public service, first as an adviser to Congress (1994–1996) and later as Minister of Finance under two different political party administrations (2003–2005 and 2008–2012). As an academic, my work continues to focus on proposing public policies that foster economic development with greater equity and social justice.
The idea of preparing an English-language edition surfaced thanks to the generous encouragement of colleagues, friends, and readers abroad who believed these reflections might be of value beyond Paraguay. Their interest in the country’s history and their questions about its ongoing search for democratic consolidation convinced me that this story might resonate more widely.
I hope this memoir inspires new generations to devote their knowledge, energy, and conviction to public service, and to contribute to building a more prosperous, equitable, and inclusive society.