Paraguay's Democracy a 'Paper Democracy,' Political Movement Claims

The political movement Tetagua Sapucai, led by former legislators Carlos Duarte Torres and Enrique González Quintana, has accused the Paraguayan government of fostering a "state of fantasy" and a false sense of well-being. The group asserts that the current administration, with the complicity of all three branches of government, is misleading the public while the nation experiences a "democracy of paper."

Tetagua Sapucai pointed to several issues, including the recent eviction of elderly citizens and the detention of some leaders protesting for benefits, which they claim violated the National Constitution. They also criticized the government's handling of energy exploitation with a foreign firm, Atome, and the situation at the Social Security Institute (IPS), questioning the transparency of funds transferred to a private bank.

The movement further highlighted ongoing problems such as the exploitation of timber resources that benefits a few at the expense of others, and the persistent issue of crime despite an increase in police personnel. They stated that the government's flagship program, Hambre Cero (Zero Hunger), is not reaching many areas, and public hospitals remain neglected and politicized.

Regarding education and rural development, the group lamented the poor infrastructure in schools and colleges and the lack of attention to peasant welfare and agrarian reform. They also noted that real illiteracy remains at 5%, in addition to what they termed "intellectual illiterates" with fake academic diplomas.