Three Years of Peña: "We Will Be Better" Slogan Falls Short in Ayolas

Three years into President Santiago Peña's term, the governing "We will be better" slogan is failing to resonate with the reality faced by citizens in Ayolas, Paraguay, according to Dennis Dioff, a candidate for mayor representing the "Alianza Recuperando el Paraíso" (Alliance Recovering Paradise).

Dioff argues that while the government touts positive macroeconomic figures, the lived experiences of the population paint a starkly different picture. He stated that citizens do not perceive national growth translating into tangible benefits like employment, improved healthcare, or local development, creating a widening gap between official statistics and daily life. "Perhaps four or five are benefiting from this macroeconomy, but the common mortal does not receive any benefit," Dioff questioned, adding that the campaign slogan has become a source of irony and unfulfilled promises.

The local economy in Ayolas, like much of the country, is reportedly in a critical state. The tourism sector, a key economic driver for the city, has seen a significant drop in visitors. Local entrepreneurs attribute this decline to a general scarcity of resources, reducing domestic tourism and families' spending capacity. Similarly, the fishing industry, a traditional activity in Ayolas, is facing difficulties. Despite fish being present in the Paraná River, catches are only sufficient for a few days each month, making it an unreliable source of income for families.

Concerns also extend to public health. Dioff noted national trends of medical professional resignations and shortages of basic supplies. While Ayolas has not experienced mass resignations, the city faces persistent shortages of medicines and hospital supplies, hindering adequate patient care. The candidate emphasized that the gap between the government's presented numbers and the reality in the interior of the country remains unaddressed, leaving many communities struggling.

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Perhaps four or five are benefiting from this macroeconomy, but the common mortal does not receive any benefit.