Paraguayan opposition criticizes government for burdening citizens amid medical crisis

Remigio Vega, president of the Liberal Committee of Ayolas, voiced strong criticism against the government's proposed solutions to the ongoing medical crisis. He argued that the administration is looking to burden citizens with potential tax increases on basic goods and personal income, rather than addressing the issue by cutting "privileges" enjoyed by the political class.

Vega highlighted that five continuous days of medical mobilizations have yielded no favorable response from the executive branch. He stated that the health and social crisis are exacerbated by a decades-long practice of applying temporary solutions while avoiding reforms that would impact the "political caste." The cost, he asserted, is consistently transferred to the most vulnerable citizens.

"The Paraguayan society has become too tolerant of those who administer the state," Vega remarked, questioning the lack of structural responses to the healthcare system's needs. He criticized the recurring electoral promises of improvements that ultimately serve as "patchwork" solutions, lasting only until the next election. Vega emphasized that while funds exist, they are never allocated to health, education, security, or the common good, contrasting this with "million-dollar salaries in Parliament, unnecessary positions, ministries that barely function but have dozens of advisors and excessive expenses."

He specifically rejected the government's consideration of raising taxes on basic products and personal income to resolve the conflict. "The easiest thing is to reach into the pocket of the one who buys salt, flour, or noodles, instead of touching what is theirs. They don't want to give up anything, and when there's a shortage of money, they always burden the weakest," he expressed. Vega recalled President Santiago Peña's campaign promise, "We will be better," noting that the reality falls far short, with professionals not earning more and services not improving. "Elderly and children continue to die in hospitals without medication, without dignified care. There is no political or religious distinction: public health fails for everyone who cannot afford private care," he affirmed.

Vega concluded by warning that profound change is impossible without altering the power structure. "As long as they continue to maintain unnecessary positions in institutions that no longer exist, like the railway, and continue to protect only their interests over the common good, nothing will change. The people must see this and demand something else," he urged.