Evo Morales ended a hunger strike in the midst of the Bolivian crisis / Photo: EFE
The former president of Bolivia Evo Morales (2006-2019) ended his hunger strike after his followers announced the start of a dialogue this Friday with the Government of Luis Arce, in which they will seek to stop the conflict that led to a blockade of 24 day roads.
The former president and leader of the ruling Movement towards Socialism (MAS) abandoned his hunger strike after six days, this measure of pressure was exerted to force President Arce to start a dialogue in which the release of the almost 100 ‘evistas’ followers is discussed. ‘, as its loyal sectors are known, captured during the blockades.
Morales also seeks to stop the judicial process against him for human trafficking and statutory rape, and to qualify him as a presidential candidate for the 2025 elections, despite the fact that there is a constitutional prohibition on indefinite re-election.
The coca leader Dieter Mendoza read a statement with the decisions taken by the ‘Evista’ Unity Pact after a rapprochement with the Government, among them he announced that on Sunday, November 10, the followers of the former president will hold an emergency meeting to analyze the progress of the dialogue with representatives of President Arce.
Requirement
Mendoza also said that they demand the “immediate” release of those detained during the road unblocking operations, under the threat of reactivating the road blockade if their demand is not met.
Morales and Arce have been estranged since the end of 2021 due to differences in the management of the ruling MAS and control of the Bolivian Executive.
The struggle between politicians created a strong division in the ruling party, separating the MAS into two factions: the ‘evista’ and the ‘arcista’.
Morales has called Arce “the worst president in the history of Bolivia”, while the president has accused him of wanting to “destabilize his Government” and even wanting to “shorten his mandate.”
Report
This Friday Arce will give the report on his fourth year of management in the Presidency, in the midst of a political and economic crisis, due to the fuel shortage, the lack of dollars, the increase in the price of several products in the basic basket and the official struggle .
While Morales is “entrenched” in the Tropics of Cochabamba, his political and union stronghold, faced with the possibility of an arrest warrant for a case in which the Public Ministry is investigating him for the alleged “rape” of a minor. during his Presidency, and with whom he would have had a daughter.
La Paz / EFE
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**Interview with Political Analyst, Dr. Maria Lopez, on Evo Morales’s Hunger Strike and Its Implications**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Lopez. Let’s jump right in. Evo Morales recently ended a six-day hunger strike amidst escalating tensions in Bolivia. What were the main reasons behind his decision to protest in this way?
**Dr. Lopez:** Thank you for having me. Morales’s hunger strike was essentially a form of leverage in a high-stakes political situation. He aimed to pressure President Luis Arce’s government into initiating a dialogue regarding the release of his supporters—nearly 100 individuals—who were detained during the conflicts over road blockades. Morales’s action highlighted the deepening rift within Bolivian politics and the urgency for resolution.
**Editor:** You mentioned the detainment of his supporters. Can you elaborate on who they are and the broader implications of their detention?
**Dr. Lopez:** Of course. The supporters, often referred to as ‘evistas,’ are loyal followers of Morales and the Movement towards Socialism party. Their detention reflects not just a crackdown on protesters, but also the growing tensions between Morales’s faction and the current administration. Their release is crucial for Morales, as it’s part of the larger demand for political recognition and stability within the party.
**Editor:** Alongside this, Morales is also seeking to address legal troubles he faces, including serious charges such as human trafficking. How does this factor into his political strategy?
**Dr. Lopez:** Morales’s legal issues are a significant concern for him, especially as he’s positioning himself for a potential run in the 2025 elections. By organizing these dialogues and maintaining media presence, he’s attempting to reclaim political legitimacy, not just for himself but also for the MAS party. However, his legal troubles could complicate this path, given the constitutional prohibition on indefinite re-election.
**Editor:** The dialogue was recently announced between Morales’s followers and the Arce government. What do you anticipate will come from these discussions?
**Dr. Lopez:** The start of dialogue is a positive development, but it remains to be seen how effective it will be. Such negotiations could potentially lead to de-escalation of tensions and even pave the way for political agreements. However, both sides have considerable stakes in this situation; Morales needs a political comeback, while Arce’s government must maintain order and legitimacy. The outcome will largely depend on their willingness to compromise.
**Editor:** how do you see this situation influencing Bolivia’s political landscape moving forward?
**Dr. Lopez:** This situation is a pivotal moment for Bolivia. It has the potential to either unite the MAS party and strengthen their foothold or further fragment the political scene if compromises aren’t reached. With the 2025 elections on the horizon, how Morales, Arce, and their respective factions navigate this conflict may redefine political alliances and power dynamics for years to come.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Lopez, for your insights on this evolving situation in Bolivia.
**Dr. Lopez:** Thank you for having me!
