Last Thursday, in an extraordinary session, the Municipal Board of Asunción approved an addendum of G. 25,000 million (US $ 3.6 million) for the salary readjustment of 7,300 officials.
The striking thing is that, a month ago, the commune requested a loan of G. 270 billion (US $ 39.4 million), to pay salaries for October, November, December and Christmas bonuses. In addition, to allocate them to the payment of suppliers.
During 2020 alone, Óscar “Nenecho” Rodríguez, mayor of Asunción, indebted the commune for US $ 60 million for works and payment of salaries. Considering that he took office at the end of December 2019. The data for 2021 is still unknown.
Rosa Vacchetta, a lawyer from Asuncion and social activist, reported that, with this, they already add G. 46,930 million (US $ 6.8 million) in increases. First came the G. 21,930 million (US $ 3.2 million), destined for salary equalization. It was approved unopposed in the session of the Municipal Board of Asunción.
The second, is the one already mentioned, is the aforementioned increase in wages and payments for unhealthiness for G. 25,000 million.
He pointed out that the resources should be destined for priority things such as cleaning parks and squares, pavement maintenance, street sweeping and cleaning, garbage collection, urban solid waste treatment and storm drains.
“It would be very good to be able to sincere the municipal debt that turns into a tata ball (of fire in Guaraní) with increasing interests,” he said.
He finally said that the absences or abstentions from voting that some councilors use become striking. And more in these cases, where they are dealing with millionaire sums that will become new millionaire debts.
“This implies many financial responsibilities. I do not understand the actions of the absent, because it is necessary to understand that the patrimonial damage also entails personal responsibility of the members of the Municipal Government, “he concluded.
GALEANO
Jazmín Galeano, councilor of Asunción, for the National Encounter Party (PEN), regretted that the commune is already in debt, but a new loan is contracted to increase wages. He reported that it is still unknown what will be the way to request this money.
“We rejected because there were no reports, analysis or a breakdown of who will benefit from the increase. It will benefit all officials. We know that some deserve it because they work in unhealthy areas, but there are also scorers who do not, ”he commented.
ABSTENTION
During the voting, a total of seven councilors abstained from voting. This ultimately favored the approval of the document.
Galeano urged the elimination of this figure. Since abstention is a disguised way of supporting the majority and guaranteeing results.
“It is a disguise to support. I believe that the votes should be yes or no. Stop being lukewarm, ”he said.
Now it is up to Óscar “Nenecho” Rodríguez to veto or approve the initiative. But everything indicates that he will approve it.
