Paraguay’s National Peasant Federation is holding its annual march to Asunción on Thursday to advocate for land access, cessation of evictions, and rural development policies. The group, representing 12 departments, faces challenges en route and criticizes government influences over agrarian reform initiatives. This marks the 31st consecutive year of the demonstration supporting small-scale food production and national sovereignty.
Paraguay’s National Peasant Federation (FNC) is set to organize its annual march to Asunción on Thursday, advocating for land access, halting evictions, and promoting rural development policies. Demonstrators, representing 12 out of Paraguay’s 17 departments, including San Pedro and Paraguarí, gathered at the former Metropolitan Seminary on Wednesday to mobilize for the event.
Leading the protest, Secretary-General Marcial Gómez criticizes land inequities and the influence exerted by the pro-government Honor Colorado faction, associated with former president Horacio Cartes. The FNC is advocating for agrarian reform and condemning the evictions faced by rural and indigenous communities. Gómez articulated the necessity for promoting food production and industry as integral to national development, stating, “For there to be national development, food production must be promoted.”
Under the banner “for land and production, against all injustices,” the demonstration coincides with multiple protests by workers, retirees, and opposition parties in Asunción. Farmers encountered challenges, including a police checkpoint in Limpio, resulting in a temporary bus detention that was later resolved after the farmers expressed their grievances by blocking a road.
The march is scheduled to traverse central Asunción, concluding with the presentation of a manifesto at Plaza de la Democracia. The event underscores rising tensions with President Santiago Peña’s administration, as critics like Ermo Rodríguez from the Paraguay Pyahura Party highlight the absence of dialogue between the government and grassroots movements.
This forthcoming march represents the 31st consecutive year of demands for the implementation of the Agrarian Reform Law, as stipulated in the national Constitution. Addressing land distribution and fostering small-scale food production are crucial for maintaining Paraguay’s food sovereignty, as detailed by the FNC.
The upcoming march organized by the National Peasant Federation underscores significant ongoing issues regarding land access, evictions, and agricultural policies within Paraguay. Led by Marcial Gómez, the FNC’s efforts reveal a persistent challenge against political influences affecting rural communities. With the backdrop of broader demonstrations, this event reaffirms the urgent call for agrarian reform and equitable land distribution as mandated by Paraguay’s Constitution.
Original Source: en.mercopress.com
