Paraguay’s National Peasant Federation is marching to Asunción to demand land access, halt evictions, and promote rural policies. Led by Marcial Gómez, protesters oppose the influence of the Honor Colorado faction and seek agrarian reform. The march coincides with broader protests and highlights tensions with President Santiago Peña’s administration, marking the 31st such demonstration in 31 years.
The National Peasant Federation (FNC) of Paraguay is organizing its annual march to the capital, Asunción, to advocate for access to land, an end to evictions, and enhanced policies for rural development. Protesters, hailing from 12 of Paraguay’s 17 departments, including San Pedro, Paraguarí, Guairá, and Caaguazú, convened at the former Metropolitan Seminary to prepare for the event scheduled for Thursday.
Led by Secretary-General Marcial Gómez, the FNC is opposing land issues and the dominance of the pro-government Honor Colorado faction, associated with former president Horacio Cartes. The protesters seek agrarian reform and are condemning evictions of peasant and indigenous communities. Gómez emphasized, “In order for there to be national development, food production, primary production and the development of industry in our country must be promoted.”
The demonstration, following the motto “for land and production, against all injustices,” coincided with other protests in Asunción involving workers, retirees, and opposition parties. Farmers encountered hurdles while traveling, including a police checkpoint in Limpio, where a bus was detained until protesters blocked a road, leading to the bus’s release.
The march will traverse central Asunción and culminate in a manifesto reading at Plaza de la Democracia. This event underscores the ongoing friction between citizens and President Santiago Peña’s administration, with critics like Ermo Rodríguez of the Paraguay Pyahura Party highlighting a lack of dialogue between the government and grassroots organizations.
This marks the 31st demonstration in 31 years, advocating for the implementation of an Agrarian Reform Law as outlined in the Constitution, aimed at improving land distribution and supporting small-scale food production, crucial for sustaining Paraguay’s food sovereignty.
In summary, the FNC’s annual march seeks to address critical land access and agrarian reform issues in Paraguay, reflecting the persistent struggle faced by rural communities. The event symbolizes the demand for government action to promote food production and rural policies, highlighting the need for dialogue between the authorities and the populace. With 31 years of demonstrations behind them, the protesters remain resolute in their cause for equitable land distribution and support for small-scale farmers.
Original Source: en.mercopress.com
