The Police Infantry of the Province of Misiones completed the eviction of the yerbateros producers who were demonstrating at the Crossing of San José, near Posadas. The protest, which demanded a fair price for the green leaf of yerba mate, was violently repressed by police officers, who carried out arrests and confiscated work vehicles of the protesters.
During the operation, four people were arrested and three trucks and three tractors were seized and arrest orders were issued against protest leaders. The yerbateros denounce that the current price of the green leaf, established at $ 220 per kilo, does not cover the production costs, which are around $ 357 according to the National Yerba Mate Institute (INYM). This problem was aggravated after DNU 70/2023, which eliminated the faculties of INYM to set prices.
Police intervention, covered by a court order, included armed troops, which according to producers was a clear intimidation. In addition, this repressive act is not isolated and is part of a context of criminalization of social protest and regional economies.
Within the framework of these tensions, a tragic event took place that enluta to the sector: Gustavo Gallardo, son of a producer, died in a traffic accident while he headed to accompany the protest. This incident, which also left five injured, has been interpreted by protesters as an indirect consequence of the lack of government action to meet their demands.
From the Yerbatero sector, a statement was issued responsible for both the provincial and the national government for the economic crisis they are going through, and for the policies that allow repression instead of dialogue. The yerbateros reiterate their commitment to continue fighting for a decent price and for conditions that guarantee their subsistence.
Source: www.laizquierdadiario.com
