Paraguayan Businesses Slam 'Populist Holiday' After Football Win, Warn of Millions in Losses

Paraguay's Federation of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (Fedemipymes) has strongly criticized President Santiago Peña's decision to declare a national holiday after the Albirroja's victory over Germany in the World Cup. The federation denounced the move as a "populist measure" that paralyzes the country and inflicts significant economic damage.

Luis Tavella, president of Fedemipymes, expressed the private sector's deep concern, stating that such arbitrary decisions deliver a harsh blow to the national economy and production. "This liquidates us. It's a day where the full workday is paid, but absolutely nothing is generated," Tavella explained. Businesses continue to incur fixed costs like utilities, salaries, and administration without any revenue, leading to substantial losses.

Estimates suggest that one day of complete national paralysis can cost the country between US$150 million and US$180 million. Tavella highlighted that virtually all sectors, including the judiciary, retail, and even scheduled medical procedures, came to a standstill. Businesses that had to operate faced additional costs, such as paying double wages to employees, compounded by disruptions in public transportation.

Tavella lamented what he sees as a growing culture of unnecessary holidays driven by populism, arguing that the nation should instead "learn to celebrate victories by working." He urged a focus on development rather than unproductive celebrations. Comparing Paraguay to countries with more holidays, he pointed to Argentina's economic struggles after decades of populist policies, emphasizing that Paraguay, as a developing nation, should prioritize opportunities and productivity.