Protests erupt over pension rights in Spain and healthcare crises in Paraguay

In Spain, the Durango Pensioners' Movement is set to resume weekly protests starting September 7. The group is demanding dignified pensions, stronger public healthcare, and improved care for the elderly. They highlighted that rising inflation, with a July IPC of 3.6% to 3.7% in Bizkaia, threatens to erode purchasing power, as the 2026 pension revaluation of 2.7% may not keep pace. Additionally, the collective criticized the regional government for not matching minimum pensions to the minimum wage and denounced the perceived privatization of care services.

In Paraguay, medical professionals from the Instituto de Previsión Social (IPS) held demonstrations in solidarity with the National Medical Union (Sinamed). The protests follow mass resignations of specialists from the Ministry of Public Health and Social Welfare. Doctors reported a lack of medical supplies, insufficient medication, and low wages, noting that some professionals have seen no salary increases for 14 years. The movement expressed frustration over the government's lack of response to the growing healthcare crisis affecting both public and private sectors.