PARAGUAYAN teachers walked out across the country today demanding increased pay as $20,000 (£14,400) is set to be cut from the country’s education budget next year.

The Education Federation (FEP) organised the protest as rallies were held in support of a Bill that would increase teachers’ salaries by $60 (£43).

Under the proposed legislation Paraguay’s Education Ministry (MEC) would have to increase salaries progressively until they reach a minimum of $432 (£312) per month.

FEP President Silvio Piris hit out at plans to cut the education budget which he said would cause immense damage to school supplies and infrastructure.

“This is dangerous because it will become more difficult to return to the classrooms,” he said.

Around 1,500 police were deployed to the capital Asuncion with security chief Daniel Careaga threatening the use of force to deal with public order offences as the teachers blocked roads leading to parliamentary buildings.

Thousands of farmers and indigenous people have also been protesting against the government’s failure to support them and mitigate the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

Paraguay has seen a total of 455,000 people infected with Covid-19 and more than 15,000 deaths.