Paraguay teachers and Argentine health workers announce protests amid budget disputes

In Paraguay, teacher organizations including the Intersindical del Sector Educativo have announced national mobilizations for September 17 and 18. The groups are demanding an 8% salary increase, the creation of new teaching positions, and increased funding for various educational roles. They are also calling for salary equalization across public universities and the guarantee of free education in public institutions.

In Argentina, healthcare workers and professionals gathered in La Plata to discuss the impact of national budget cuts on the public health system. During the meeting, Nicolás Kreplak criticized the government's reduction of national programs and medical supplies, calling for collective action to protect health as a right.

In Mexico, civil society organizations have petitioned the Chamber of Deputies to reform the Special Tax on Production and Services (IEPS) applied to alcoholic beverages. Using the 2027 Economic Package debate, activists are proposing a shift from an ad valorem tax to a fixed fee based on pure alcohol volume. They argue this change could generate an additional 30 billion pesos annually to fund addiction prevention and public health services.