The former president of Bolivia Evo Morales (2006-2019) admitted this Tuesday that he travels in two vehicles “borrowed” by Venezuela, which was described as an “interference” by the opposition force Citizen Community (CC), which requested clarification of the conditions under which Venezuelan support is given to the official leader as well.
The controversy arose regarding the armed attack reported by Morales on Sunday, because the CC deputy Jairo Guiteras verified that at least one of the two vehicles used that day by the former ruler appears as property of the president in Bolivia of the state-owned Petróleos de Venezuela SA (PDVSA), Miguel Ángel Lozano.
In statements to the coca radio station Kawsachun Coca, Morales said that he travels in “borrowed cars” and assured that the country’s president, Luis Arce, from whom he is estranged, is aware of this.
“Lucho (Luis Arce) was at a meeting abroad, there were some colleagues from Venezuela and Cuba, and with Lucho’s knowledge, Venezuela lends me the two mobility services for security reasons,” said the former president without specifying when or where he went. the aforementioned meeting.
Morales thanked the “solidarity” because, as he said, “Venezuela has always helped Bolivia” and that this support has been given by both “left-wing governments” and “right-wing” ones.
The former president, who still presides over the government Movement towards Socialism (MAS), criticized that they want to “distort” the aid, or that there are sectors that “demonize, penalize” that support.
He also expressed his desire that, “if the owners allow,” the vehicles that received bullets on Sunday would stay in Bolivia and be exhibited in a museum.
In statements to EFE, Deputy Guiteras questioned that Evo Morales is traveling “in a vehicle that belongs to the Venezuelan people” and maintained that an investigation should be made “what financing and what type of support Evo Morales is receiving from PDVSA and the Venezuelan State.” .
“That is, the Venezuelan State, through its oil company, is being involved in financing Evo Morales? Are they financing the blockades? Are they financing Morales’ campaign? This is something that should draw our attention because attacks the security and sovereignty of the Bolivian State,” he said.
According to Guiteras, the statements Morales made today are a “confession” that he receives “in-kind support from the Venezuelan Government” and that is not allowed by the Law of Political Organizations.
Article 99 of the aforementioned norm indicates among other “serious infractions” the “use of economic and financial resources of the State or those coming from external cooperation in political and organic actions of the political organization.”
The sanction for a leader who commits a serious infraction is the suspension of his mandate and militancy for a period of 13 months to two years, according to the law.
Guiteras assured that “Evo Morales is prohibited from receiving this type of support” and pointed out that the politician and also President Arce must explain “under what conditions he is receiving” this aid “and for what purpose.”
The parliamentarian announced that he will denounce Morales for this before the electoral body “to guarantee that the law is respected in Bolivia.”
The former president and leader of CC Carlos Mesa (2003-2005) expressed on the social network “Bolivians.
Bolivia / EFE
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**Interviewer**: Today we’re joined by Evo Morales, the former president of Bolivia, who has recently been at the center of a controversy regarding his use of vehicles “borrowed” from Venezuela. Thank you for being here, Mr. Morales.
**Evo Morales**: Thank you for having me.
**Interviewer**: Let’s start with your acknowledgment of using Venezuelan vehicles for your travels. Can you clarify the circumstances of this arrangement?
**Evo Morales**: Yes, I want to be clear that these vehicles were lent to me for security reasons with the knowledge of President Luis Arce. I was in meetings with colleagues from Venezuela and Cuba, and the solidarity shown by Venezuela is not new. They have always helped Bolivia, regardless of the government in power.
**Interviewer**: The opposition party, Citizen Community, has criticized this arrangement, describing it as an “interference.” How do you respond to those concerns?
**Evo Morales**: It’s unfortunate to see that our political rivals want to distort the reality of international solidarity. Countries like Venezuela support Bolivia, and it’s essential to recognize the historical relationship we share. They have aided us, whether under left or right-wing governments.
**Interviewer**: Deputy Jairo Guiteras of the Citizen Community raised concerns that one of the vehicles used recently was property of the Venezuelan state-owned company PDVSA. What can you say about that?
**Evo Morales**: The vehicles are indeed given to me under specific agreements for our safety. This does not mean there is interference; rather, it showcases the support we have within the international community. It’s essential to focus on the reasons behind this collaboration rather than politicizing it.
**Interviewer**: You mentioned the idea of displaying the vehicles in a museum if allowed. What significance would that hold?
**Evo Morales**: It would symbolize the solidarity between our nations and the history of cooperation. These vehicles could serve as a reminder of that support and the importance of standing together, especially in difficult times.
**Interviewer**: Thank you for your insights, Mr. Morales. As this situation unfolds, we’ll be sure to follow how it develops.
**Evo Morales**: Thank you for the opportunity to explain my position.