Paraguay: Campesinos suspend protests in Asunción /update 2

Event

Rural farmers (campesinos) suspended their protests in the capital Asunción on Thursday, August 17, after more than a month of near-daily demonstrations. The campesinos are returning home, but have threatened to resume protests if the government does not address their demands.

Context

Campesinos from around the country had converged on the capital, setting up camp in the central Plaza de Armas in front of the Congress building. The protests were launched on July 11 to demand the government declare an agricultural state of emergency and provide economic assistance to farmers. A bill aimed at providing agricultural subsidies was vetoed by the Senate in early August but the legislature has agreed to revisit the issue.

Advice

Individuals in Paraguay are advised to avoid all protests as a precaution and to keep abreast of the situation.