Unions and farmers protest in Asunción ahead of Peña government's 3rd anniversary

Various unions, including public sector employees and teachers, alongside farmers and social organizations, marched through Asunción on Friday to protest against President Santiago Peña's government. The demonstrators voiced their discontent as Peña's administration approaches its three-year anniversary, asserting that promises of improved quality of life remain unfulfilled.

Carrying signs with the slogan "Paraguay hurts," farmers marched through the city center, rejecting Peña's campaign slogan, "we are going to be better." The protest route, from Plaza Uruguaya to the National Pantheon of Heroes, saw leaders from the National Farmers' Federation (FNC) and the Paraguayan Pyahurã Party (PPP) deliver speeches.

In parallel, members of the Classist and Combative Current (CCC), the Organization of Paraguayan Education Workers (OTEP), and the Authentic Union of Defense of the Social Welfare Institute (IPS) attempted to march towards the presidential residence. Although police prevented their direct approach, the groups held a cacerolazo (pot-banging protest) nearby, criticizing the government's handling of the IPS and the education sector.

The protests occurred against a backdrop of robust economic performance, with the Central Bank of Paraguay reporting a 6.6% GDP growth in 2025, the highest in Latin America. Despite these figures, demonstrators told reporters they are experiencing hardship and challenged the government's presentation of national prosperity to the international community.