Doctor and Ex-Senator Masi Slams Peña Government: 'They Are Lost and Only Care About Their Business'

Doctor and former senator Desirée Masi has sharply criticized Paraguay's President Santiago Peña, accusing his administration of being "lost" and solely focused on "business for themselves" amid a nationwide medical strike.

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They seem quite lost.

The medical guilds initiated the strike this week, demanding salary recategorization after years of postponements. Masi, speaking on ABC Color's program "No Tiene Nombre," expressed disbelief that Peña, a former Minister of Finance, along with legislative leaders, has failed to find a resolution. "They seem quite lost," she stated, pointing to recent discussions about tax increases as evidence of the government's confusion and lack of direction in addressing the current crisis.

Masi further questioned the government's response, suggesting it was unlikely they were surprised by the strike. She noted that preparations for such actions are typically preceded by assemblies and widespread communication among medical professionals. "Everyone knew that if an agreement wasn't reached three months ago, a measure of force would be taken. Anyone could have known that, and they should have known too. I think they were in denial," she asserted.

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I think they were in denial.

Adding to the criticism, Masi addressed what she described as a "smear campaign" targeting the striking doctors. She highlighted the prevalence of fake profiles and bots on social media spreading negative information, often using photos of prominent figures like Rosanna González, the deputy general secretary of the medical union (Sinamed), and even herself. She also noted the involvement of politicians in these campaigns.

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And on top of that, this little campaign we are all seeing in the media, with fake profiles, with bots, where they put photos of Rosanna González and photos of me...