Three Years of Peña: Workers Protest Outside Presidential Residence

Thousands of Paraguayan workers marched to the presidential residence, Mburuvicha Róga, to protest against precarious labor conditions, the high cost of living, and what they describe as detrimental reforms three years into President Santiago Peña's administration. Unions representing health, education, and state workers voiced collective discontent, contrasting the government's official narrative of favorable macroeconomic indicators with the daily struggles of average workers.

The healthcare sector presented stark testimony of neglect at the Institute of Social Security (IPS). Workers reported critical shortages of basic supplies and medicines, forcing medical staff to witness preventable deaths. "After three years of Santiago Peña's government, we remain in misery and abandonment," stated licensed nurse Marina Ayala, an IPS worker representative. She highlighted that over 1,000 nurses have resigned due to overwhelming workloads and system collapse, with thousands earning less than the minimum wage despite their daily contributions.

Teachers' unions and state employee organizations also expressed strong opposition to legislative changes enacted by the current administration. They specifically criticized the law on the Superintendence of Pensions, adjustments to the Labor Code, and the recent reform of the Fiscal Fund, arguing these measures diminish hard-won workers' rights.

Protesters pointed to the real cost of living and inflation, citing repeated increases in fuel prices and the basic family food basket as major concerns. The demonstration, which partially disrupted traffic, underscored a perceived disconnect between the government's proclaimed prosperity and the economic hardships faced by the majority of the population.

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After three years of Santiago Peña's government, we remain in misery and abandonment. More than 1,000 nurses have resigned at IPS due to workload and collapse. Thousands do not even receive the minimum wage, and while insured people contribute daily, they are denied dignified care.