National Peasant Federation Protests for Agrarian Reform in Paraguay

The National Peasant Federation will march in Asunción to demand land access, end evictions, and support rural development. Led by Marcial Gómez, they protest against land issues and government influences, advocating for agrarian reform. The march faces police hurdles yet underscores ongoing tensions with the Peña administration, marking 31 years of advocacy for an Agrarian Reform Law.

On Thursday, the National Peasant Federation (FNC) of Paraguay is set to conduct its annual march in Asunción, advocating for essential land access, halting evictions, and enhancing rural development policies. Peasants from twelve of the nation’s seventeen departments, including significant regions such as San Pedro and Caaguazú, convened at the former Metropolitan Seminary to organize for the protest.

The FNC, under the guidance of Secretary-General Marcial Gómez, is expressing dissent against ongoing land disputes and criticizing the dominance of the pro-government Honor Colorado faction, previously led by former president Horacio Cartes, over national institutions. They are persistently calling for agrarian reforms and denouncing the eviction of both peasant and indigenous communities.

Secretary-General Gómez emphasized the importance of agricultural initiatives by stating, “In order for there to be national development, food production, primary production and the development of industry in our country must be promoted.” The protesters are rallying under the slogan, “for land and production, against all injustices,” amidst a backdrop of additional protests in Asunción, where various labor groups and opposition parties have also demonstrated.

Farmers encountered challenges while traveling to the capital, including a police checkpoint in Limpio that temporarily detained a bus carrying demonstrators. The group eventually regained their freedom after staging a roadblock in protest. The march will conclude in central Asunción with a manifesto reading at Plaza de la Democracia, reflecting the ongoing tensions with President Santiago Peña’s administration.

Critics, including Ermo Rodríguez from the Paraguay Pyahura Party, highlight the government’s failure to engage in constructive dialogue with the populace. This year’s march marks the 31st demonstration over the past 31 years advocating for the Agrarian Reform Law as enshrined in the Constitution, aimed at improving land distribution and bolstering small-scale food production crucial for Paraguay’s food sovereignty.

The upcoming march organized by the National Peasant Federation is a crucial event highlighting ongoing struggles for land rights and rural development in Paraguay. With significant participation from peasants across various departments and cooperation with other protest groups, the event underscores the community’s steadfast commitment to agrarian reform and challenges faced under the current administration. The consistent advocacy over three decades illustrates the perseverance of these issues within Paraguay’s socio-political landscape.

Original Source: en.mercopress.com