2024-10-31 00:30:00
LA PAZ, Bolivia (AP) — Bolivian President Luis Arce ended talks with supporters of the former president and his former ally Evo Morales and issued a warning on Wednesday; he asked them to lift the The central region of the country imposed a 17-day lockdown and threatened measures.
“It is impossible to have a dialogue without lifting the blockades and pressure measures that are strangling the economy of Bolivian families, which is why we demand the immediate lifting of all blockade points,” Arce said in a brief presidential message.
He added: “If we do not listen to the strong demands of the Bolivian people, our democratically elected government with more than 55% of the vote will exercise its constitutional power to safeguard the interests of the Bolivian people.”
Road blockades in central parts of the country have been in place for more than two weeks in support of Morales, who is under investigation for alleged abuse of minors during his time as president, causing shortages in several cities.
The measure also intensifies friction between Arce and Morales, who are facing a leadership challenge from the ruling Movement for Socialism party, whose control could guarantee the next presidential candidate in the 2025 elections.
Police tried to clear the roadblock but were unsuccessful. The president said that 70 people were injured in different operations, 61 of them policemen and 9 civilians.
As the day progresses, there is increasing pressure from merchants, transporters, manufacturers, businesses and many other sectors to lift the lockdown, especially as the country’s traditional Halloween holiday approaches.
Morales reported on Sunday that masked agents opened fire on his car as he was walking to the radio station, allegedly with the intention of killing him.
Bolivian government minister Eduardo del Castillo denied the claims and assured that Morales and his companions resisted a raid by anti-drug patrols, shooting and running over an agent as they fled.
According to authorities, more than a thousand trucks carrying food and fuel are stranded on the road, and many manufacturers have had to throw away their products because they cannot reach dealers and cause them to rot.
Tomato producer Danaris Masias told The Associated Press that she managed to get from the town of Omerec to the city of Cochabamba in 10 days after evading the lockdown, a journey that normally takes five days , but everything changed and rotted along the way. “I hope the government puts its hand on its chest and thinks about us,” he added.
In addition, people queued for fuel in some capitals and rural cities, which the government attributed to the inability of many tanker trucks distributing fuel to pass through roadblocks.
According to official sources, losses of $1.7 billion have been recorded during these 17 days amid an economic crisis exacerbated by dollar shortages.
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**Interview with Political Analyst Dr. Mariana Santos on Bolivian Political Tensions**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Santos. Recent events in Bolivia have escalated tensions between President Luis Arce and supporters of former President Evo Morales. Can you explain what sparked this recent wave of protests and blockades?
**Dr. Santos:** Thank you for having me. The recent protests are rooted in a combination of factors. Primarily, they are in response to the investigations into Evo Morales regarding serious allegations, including abuse of minors during his presidency. Morales’ supporters feel this is politically motivated, leading them to impose a series of blockades in central Bolivia to show their dissent against the current government.
**Editor:** President Arce has demanded the immediate lifting of these blockades, asserting that they are strangling the economy. What are the potential ramifications if the blockades continue?
**Dr. Santos:** If the blockades persist, Bolivia’s economy could face severe repercussions. Shortages of essential goods are already being reported in several cities, which could lead to increased public unrest. Moreover, President Arce has hinted at the possibility of exercising constitutional powers, which may involve crackdowns on the protests, potentially escalating violence and deepening the political crisis.
**Editor:** There’s also the aspect of intra-party conflicts within the Movement for Socialism. How does this situation influence the party’s dynamics and future elections?
**Dr. Santos:** The friction between Arce and Morales highlights significant rifts within the Movement for Socialism. This internal struggle could determine the party’s candidate for the 2025 elections. Both leaders are vying for influence, and if Arce is perceived as unable to resolve the crisis, it may lead to a shift in loyalty among party members and supporters, ultimately impacting the party’s electoral prospects.
**Editor:** With Arce’s strong electoral mandate, what strategies could he employ to de-escalate this situation while maintaining his authority?
**Dr. Santos:** President Arce could consider engaging in dialogue with Morales’ faction in a more inclusive manner, perhaps involving third-party mediators to ease tensions. Additionally, he should address the economic concerns of ordinary Bolivians impacted by the blockades to regain public support. Balancing firmness against the protests while promoting a narrative of unity could be pivotal in navigating this crisis.
**Editor:** Thank you for your insights, Dr. Santos. It’s a complex situation that will surely develop further in the coming days.
**Dr. Santos:** Thank you for having me. It’s crucial to keep an eye on how these dynamics unfold in Bolivia.
