On 6 January, the diplomatic official responded incoherently and in a drunken voice to Radio Caritas journalist Carlos Martini, who was trying to interview him about the coronation ceremony of King Carlos III that took place on 6 May.
The interview went viral via social networks, and the Ministry of External Affairs drew the attention of the 71-year-old diplomat who, in view of the incident at the end, resigned from the post, initiated the retirement process and will retire. In fact, it was a move that Pappalardo was avoiding, as the retirement age for diplomats is 65. However, some on duty tend to remain in active service by decision of the government. As is the case with former Foreign Minister José Félix Fernández Estigarribia, a career diplomat who resigned as ambassador to Costa Rica at the age of 82 to take advantage of a simple retirement.
Prior to being appointed ambassador to the United Kingdom, Pappalardo served as chief of ceremonies for the Presidency of the Republic during the government of Horacio Cartes. And among the places where he had to serve as a diplomat are Italy, the United Nations in New York, and India, where he was ambassador. In the United Kingdom, he presented his credentials on October 19, 2018. By decree No. 9304 of the previous 16 May, the executive accepted the resignation offered by Pappalardo on 10 May from his position as ambassador, in order to start negotiations for the purposes. To qualify for retirement benefits. Thus, one more vacancy is created in the Foreign Service.
