The National Peasant Federation (FNC) is marching to Asunción to demand land access, an end to evictions, and supportive rural policies. Led by Marcial Gómez, protesters are critical of government influence over agrarian issues, with the event marking the 31st anniversary of demands for agrarian reform consistent with Paraguay’s Constitution.
This Thursday, Paraguay’s National Peasant Federation (FNC) is organizing its annual march to Asunción with the objectives of demanding land access, opposing evictions, and advocating for policies that encourage rural development. On Wednesday, peasants from 12 out of 17 departments, including San Pedro, Paraguarí, Guairá, and Caaguazú, convened at the former Metropolitan Seminary in preparation for this demonstration.
The FNC, under the leadership of Secretary-General Marcial Gómez, is voicing dissatisfaction with land issues and the dominance of the pro-government Honor Colorado faction, associated with former president Horacio Cartes, over national institutions. The protesters are pushing for agrarian reform while condemning evictions affecting peasant and indigenous communities. Gómez stated, “In order for there to be national development, food production, primary production, and the development of industry in our country must be promoted.”
The two-day march carries the slogan “for land and production, against all injustices” and coincides with additional protests in Asunción involving workers, retirees, and opposition parties. Farmers experienced difficulties during their journey, notably encountering a police checkpoint in Limpio, where a bus was temporarily detained; however, the group was released following a blockade staged in protest.
The march is set to traverse central Asunción, culminating in a manifesto reading at Plaza de la Democracia. This event underscores the continuing discord with President Santiago Peña’s administration, with critics such as Ermo Rodríguez from the Paraguay Pyahura Party remarking on the insufficient dialogue between the government and grassroots organizations.
This demonstration marks the 31st anniversary of efforts to demand the implementation of an Agrarian Reform Law, as specified in the national Constitution, designed to improve land distribution and bolster small-scale food production, thereby maintaining Paraguay’s food sovereignty.
In summary, the annual march organized by the National Peasant Federation illustrates the persistent struggles of peasants in Paraguay for equitable land access and support for rural communities. Led by Marcial Gómez, the protesters are advocating for reform and highlighting the influence of the Honor Colorado faction on national policy. The event, which continues a long tradition of activism, seeks to enforce constitutional promises regarding agrarian reform and food sovereignty.
Original Source: en.mercopress.com
