This prolonged struggle began on March 9 in more than 20 points in the country. They require six claims; the repeal of the Law for the Criminalization of land invasions (Riera-Zavala Law). Also the immediate cessation of evictions and legalization of settlements, a State policy for national production. Also the Paraguayan sovereignty in Itaipu, the political trial for Sandra Quiñónez, Attorney General of the State, and the drop in fuel prices.
VIDALIA BENITEZ
Vidalia Benítez, peasant leader of the Paraguayan Peasant Movement (MCP), pointed out that for 16 days they have been in the O’leary square in the capital demanding demands.
“We demand six points from the government. As long as it is not resolved, we will continue the prolonged struggle. We are in all the departments and from the leadership they will decide what measures to take if we are not heard, ”he said.
He stated that they are in a conversation with the authorities, but without any response as to possible solutions so far.
“We came as a family. We do not come to walk, we do not sit, we do not rest. We come to ask Abdo Benítez and the legislators to stop the violent evictions”, he questioned.
In this regard, he lamented that evictions without a court order increase every day, for which they demand the resignation of Sandra Quiñónez.
CYRIL LESME
Cirilo Lesme, a peasant leader, affirmed that he is protesting against the Riera-Zavala law, since the document establishes that all settlements must be evicted by indigenous people and peasants.
“We also came because of the prolonged struggle for land. We will continue like this until the law is repealed. The Prosecutor’s Office has also carried out many injustices, which is why we also request Quiñónez’s resignation, ”he said.
He stressed that Sandra Quiñónez is the protagonist of the eviction of indigenous people and peasants. In addition, he disqualified the management of Abdo Benítez, President of the Republic.
“A great national project led by a patriotic government is necessary. That is the only alternative,” he expressed.
DERLIS AYALA
Derlis Ayala, a peasant leader from the Primero de Marzo settlement in Ypané, said that the only way for the authorities to become aware of the situation in the sector is through large demonstrations.
“The injustice suffered by the people is tremendous. The rise of the ticket, fuel and the family basket. I am a mason, and we pay for the broken dishes. Not the soy or tobacco growers. The economy depends on the Paraguayan people. This is a fight that concerns us all”, he expressed.
He regretted that the evicted farmers form cordons of misery on the outskirts of the capital, for which they demand a piece of land to be able to build their homes.
“The Paraguayan State must address this problem. Otherwise, every day the weariness and social discontent will increase. This is not resolved with bullets or evictions,” he stated.
