El izquierdismo II

A student uprising took place recently to oppose the appointment of Moreno Ruffinelli as Rector of the Universidad Católica because of his politics during the Stroessner era (1954-1989). Some 30 students and others from the philosophy department blocked the main entrance to the university for several weeks, waiting to hear either a renunciation or to hear that someone had been injured in an effort to remove the demonstration. Moreno was as a fantastic candidate, and the Church will be hard pressed to
find one as dedicated or prepared to be university dean. The students emphasized in their protest law 209 of 1970, which Moreno had a role in drawing up when Minister of Foreign Affairs. The law allegedly permitted the persecution and torture of Paraguayans by the Stroessner dictatorship. Certainly, if Moreno’s pen was responsible for human rights violations, the recent protest is more readily justified. Most Paraguayans—including the student government of the Universidad and the Catholic Church—supported his appointment and believed that history was history. In the end, though, the students carried the day.

The significance of a student protest in Paraguay seems greater than a protest in a developed nation. Student demonstration has not been allowed historically, and students are for the first time using a voice that has been silenced for many generations. In practical terms, they probably made things worse for themselves, but that is often the case with protests—the endgame is to hold things up rather than move them along. Despite all the injustice heaped upon him during the whole process, the protest was part of an evolutionary process here in Paraguay. The students learned that they can speak up and be heard—that Paraguayans finally live in a society with freedom of expression.

Throughout Latin America people are gaining this same voice, as they learn that indeed their governments are democratic and are willing to hear dissenting opinions. Recently in Bolivia the people were presented with a referendum that approved the Presidency of Evo Morales, despite much dissent from more affluent groups about his governance. During his visit Chávez was accused of advising Lugo to restrict the freedom of the press, but later denied that he had suggested curtailing the right to criticize and discuss the government. While there is certainly existing suppression of the press and bias among owners here in Paraguay, greater freedom of expression exists. The protest was an indication of a growing consciousness about the democratic system Paraguayans are a part of, and a shout that has no substantial precedent.

It remains to be seen how forceful the voice of the people will be, and whether Latin American governments will yield to it in the way that Moreno Ruffinelli did. Perhaps the protest was a manifestation of the desire to expel the old guard—past politicians and administrators ruled without regard for the people’s best interest. More discussion, criticism, and activity, in any case, demonstrate movement and consciousness among the people; there are many signs that they are ready to assert their role in a participative government. Instead of using a bad word to describe the politicians that will lead them, remember that these leaders grew up with the people and show a genuine desire to help them. Instead of socialists, call them populists. A good time to see an uprising and a good time to be a Paraguayan: Fernando Lugo last weekend took the reigns of a government that promises to endow the people with greater rights, and hopefully riches.