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Rage Spreads in Paraguay as Virus Surges, Exposing Corruption
maría magdalena arréllaga
Mar 15, 2021
Rage Spreads in Paraguay as Virus Surges, Exposing Corruption
Article: Santi Carneri and Daniel Politi
ASUNCIÓN, Paraguay — For nearly a year, Paraguay was a leader in keeping the pandemic at bay, and despite its persistent troubles, the country remained fairly calm. Not any more.
Paraguay’s coronavirus infection rate has soared, becoming one of the worst in the Americas, and its already shaky health system has been stretched to the breaking point. In the last few days, demonstrators by the thousands have filled streets, demanding the ouster of President Mario Abdo Benítez, and in a few instances there have been bloody clashes with the police.
For many Paraguayans, corruption and elite entitlement that were once just unpleasant facts of life have become intolerable in the face of the pandemic. There is a shortage of basic drugs that doctors and nurses blame on graft; nonemergency surgery has been suspended because of a shortfall in medical supplies, and there are few vaccines to be had.
Rage Spreads in Paraguay as Virus Surges, Exposing Corruption
Paraguay escaped the worst of the pandemic for almost a year, but no longer. For many people, the crisis has made the country’s longstanding problems intolerable.
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