Latest news with #EvoMorales
Reuters
04-07-2025
- Politics
- Reuters
Bolivian congress brawls over China, Russia lithium deals
LA PAZ, July 3 (Reuters) - Bolivia's energy minister was doused with water and pelted with garbage on Thursday as chaos erupted in congress during a debate on controversial lithium contracts with Chinese and Russian firms that could bring in investments worth some $2 billion. It was the latest outburst of growing tension over Bolivia's efforts to fast-track foreign investment to exploit its lithium reserves, which are among the largest in the world. Opposition lawmakers and others loyal to former President Evo Morales disrupted the lower house session that targeted Energy Minister Alejandro Gallardo as he tried to defend the pending contracts. "They are trying to swindle us," said opposition lawmaker Daniel Rojas, one of those opposing the contracts they say are unfavorable to the state, and demanding that profits for Bolivia be secured before the lithium is sold. Thursday's session devolved into scuffles, with lawmakers pushing, shouting and throwing stacks of paper at congressional leaders. Video images showed an opposition lawmaker, Maria Salazar, tussling with another member, while a lawmaker later tore away an umbrella from a chamber leader using it to try and bat away the barrage. Legislators and civic leaders from the mineral-rich Potosi region, home to Bolivia's vast lithium deposits, joined the protest. "We warn (President) Luis Arce, (and) the leader of the lower house, if you continue insisting on this illegal and unconstitutional process, you will be met with a mobilized population," said opposition lawmaker Lissa Claros. Protesters said they feared the deals would not benefit local communities and would cause environmental damage. "We want conditions so that the local people ... can have a dignified life," said Alberto Perez Ramos, president of the Potosi Civic Committee (COMCIPO). "The government isn't interested in that; the government is only interested in its own pockets."
Straits Times
04-07-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
Bolivian congress brawls over China, Russia lithium deals
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox LA PAZ - Bolivia's energy minister was doused with water and pelted with garbage on Thursday as chaos erupted in congress during a debate on controversial lithium contracts with Chinese and Russian firms that could bring in investments worth some $2 billion. It was the latest outburst of growing tension over Bolivia's efforts to fast-track foreign investment to exploit its lithium reserves, which are among the largest in the world. Opposition lawmakers and others loyal to former President Evo Morales disrupted the lower house session that targeted Energy Minister Alejandro Gallardo as he tried to defend the pending contracts. "They are trying to swindle us," said opposition lawmaker Daniel Rojas, one of those opposing the contracts they say are unfavorable to the state, and demanding that profits for Bolivia be secured before the lithium is sold. Thursday's session devolved into scuffles, with lawmakers pushing, shouting and throwing stacks of paper at congressional leaders. Video images showed an opposition lawmaker, Maria Salazar, tussling with another member, while a lawmaker later tore away an umbrella from a chamber leader using it to try and bat away the barrage. Legislators and civic leaders from the mineral-rich Potosi region, home to Bolivia's vast lithium deposits, joined the protest. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Seller's stamp duty rates for private homes raised; holding period increased from 3 years to 4 Asia Japan urges evacuation of small island as 1,000 quakes hit region World Trump's sweeping tax-cut and spending Bill wins congressional approval World Trump eyes simple tariff rates over complex talks, says letters will start going out on July 4 Sport A true fans' player – Liverpool supporters in Singapore pay tribute to late Diogo Jota Business More Singapore residents met CPF Required Retirement Sum when they turned 55 in 2024 Singapore Universities like NUS need to be open, to become a sanctuary for global talent: Vivian Balakrishnan Singapore 193ha of land off Changi to be reclaimed for aviation park; area reduced to save seagrass meadow "We warn (President) Luis Arce, (and) the leader of the lower house, if you continue insisting on this illegal and unconstitutional process, you will be met with a mobilized population," said opposition lawmaker Lissa Claros. Protesters said they feared the deals would not benefit local communities and would cause environmental damage. "We want conditions so that the local people ... can have a dignified life," said Alberto Perez Ramos, president of the Potosi Civic Committee (COMCIPO). "The government isn't interested in that; the government is only interested in its own pockets." REUTERS
Miami Herald
18-06-2025
- Politics
- Miami Herald
Bolivia's presidential election faces growing uncertainty
June 18 (UPI) -- Political and social tensions in Bolivia are intensifying two months ahead of the general elections Aug. 17, raising concerns the vote could be marred by violence, deep polarization and institutional instability. The unrest began after Bolivia's Constitutional Court barred former President Evo Morales from running again, citing term limits. His supporters responded with protests and roadblocks across several regions. The protests have left six people dead, including police officers and farmers. Nearly two weeks of roadblocks and military deployments in key areas have drawn comparisons to some of Bolivia's darkest periods of political unrest. Óscar Hassenteufel, president of Bolivia's Supreme Electoral Tribunal, or TSE, warned in a recent news conference that "dark forces" are trying to prevent the election from taking place. He said public distrust is rising as electoral institutions may not be strong enough to withstand pressure in an increasingly polarized climate. Despite the TSE's assurances that the election date remains set after talks with all three branches of government, public uncertainty persists. The absence of a preclusion law -- which would block indefinite legal challenges to the electoral process -- has raised concerns. The TSE has warned that without such legislation, the election could be suspended or annulled. "The country is facing various challenges, and evidently, today our country's democracy is at risk," President Luis Arce said at a news conference in Santa Cruz. "Democracy must win. Social peace must win in our country against all destabilizing attempts to stop the election." Bolivia is grappling with a deepening economic crisis. Annual inflation was 18.46% in May, the highest level since 2008. Prices for basic goods, such as beef and chicken, have climbed nearly 24% over the past year. Protests over fuel and currency shortages have further intensified social unrest. A joint report from the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization and the World Food Program warned that acute food insecurity in Bolivia is expected to worsen in the coming months, driven by high inflation and declining foreign reserves. "This is expected to further weaken import capacity and household purchasing power, limiting access to food," the report said. It also warned that fuel shortages could disrupt agricultural activity and further reduce corn production, after already below-average harvest in 2024. According to the U.N. report, as of October 2024, 2.2 million Bolivians -- about 19% of the population -- were experiencing acute food insecurity. Any delay in the elections or attempt at electoral fraud could trigger widespread unrest in a country already strained by economic crisis and public distrust, political analyst Franklin Pareja said in an interview with radio. Pareja said rising frustration over the economic crisis has created strong expectations around the election, which many see as a potential turning point for the country. "There is deep concern that everything in Bolivia is at risk and nothing is guaranteed," he said. Copyright 2025 UPI News Corporation. All Rights Reserved.
UPI
18-06-2025
- Politics
- UPI
Bolivia's presidential election faces growing uncertainty
Evo Morales (L) drives a tractor at a quinoa planting on his farm in Isallavi during his presidency in 2012. A joint report from the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization and the World Food Program warned that acute food insecurity in Bolivia is expected to worsen in the coming months File Photo by Martin Alipaz/EPA-EFE June 18 (UPI) -- Political and social tensions in Bolivia are intensifying two months ahead of the general elections Aug. 17, raising concerns the vote could be marred by violence, deep polarization and institutional instability. The unrest began after Bolivia's Constitutional Court barred former President Evo Morales from running again, citing term limits. His supporters responded with protests and roadblocks across several regions. The protests have left six people dead, including police officers and farmers. Nearly two weeks of roadblocks and military deployments in key areas have drawn comparisons to some of Bolivia's darkest periods of political unrest. Óscar Hassenteufel, president of Bolivia's Supreme Electoral Tribunal, or TSE, warned in a recent news conference that "dark forces" are trying to prevent the election from taking place. He said public distrust is rising as electoral institutions may not be strong enough to withstand pressure in an increasingly polarized climate. Despite the TSE's assurances that the election date remains set after talks with all three branches of government, public uncertainty persists. The absence of a preclusion law -- which would block indefinite legal challenges to the electoral process -- has raised concerns. The TSE has warned that without such legislation, the election could be suspended or annulled. "The country is facing various challenges, and evidently, today our country's democracy is at risk," President Luis Arce said at a news conference in Santa Cruz. "Democracy must win. Social peace must win in our country against all destabilizing attempts to stop the election." Bolivia is grappling with a deepening economic crisis. Annual inflation was 18.46% in May, the highest level since 2008. Prices for basic goods, such as beef and chicken, have climbed nearly 24% over the past year. Protests over fuel and currency shortages have further intensified social unrest. A joint report from the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization and the World Food Program warned that acute food insecurity in Bolivia is expected to worsen in the coming months, driven by high inflation and declining foreign reserves. "This is expected to further weaken import capacity and household purchasing power, limiting access to food," the report said. It also warned that fuel shortages could disrupt agricultural activity and further reduce corn production, after already below-average harvest in 2024. According to the U.N. report, as of October 2024, 2.2 million Bolivians -- about 19% of the population -- were experiencing acute food insecurity. Any delay in the elections or attempt at electoral fraud could trigger widespread unrest in a country already strained by economic crisis and public distrust, political analyst Franklin Pareja said in an interview with radio. Pareja said rising frustration over the economic crisis has created strong expectations around the election, which many see as a potential turning point for the country. "There is deep concern that everything in Bolivia is at risk and nothing is guaranteed," he said.
The Guardian
17-06-2025
- Politics
- The Guardian
Deadly clashes over Morales candidacy deepen Bolivia crisis in election run-up
Fatal clashes between police and supporters of former president Evo Morales have deepened Bolivia's political and economic crisis, heightening tensions in the Andean country just two months before the presidential election. Six people have been killed and more than 300 injured in weeks of unrest. The dead include four police officers, one of whom was reportedly killed by dynamite which had been strapped to his body. Demonstrators have blockaded roads across the country since 2 June in response to rulings by the constitutional and electoral courts that barred Morales, 65, from seeking a fourth term in the 17 August election. On Sunday the protesters announced a 'humanitarian pause' at the blockades, but some remained in place, prolonging a two-week-long disruption in delivering food, medicine, and fuel. In response to the protests he called, Morales has himself become the target of a new 'terrorism' investigation, announced by the government of current president Luis Arce, 61 – who served as finance minister under the former president and is now his main rival. Morales has been entrenched since October in the coca-growing region of Chapare, where hundreds of coca farmers are preventing police and military forces from executing an arrest warrant over allegations that Morales fathered a child with a 15-year-old girl during his presidency in 2016. 'Democracy in our country is at risk,' said President Arce following the killing of the four police officers. Three officers were shot dead by protesters last Wednesday in the mining town of Llallagua, where a 17-year-old student also died, reportedly beaten to death by protesters who accused him of being a police informant. The fourth officer was in a village in the Cochabamba department when, according to the government, he was 'kidnapped by a mob' and killed with dynamite strapped to his chest. In the same village, a civilian was shot dead by what the government claims was gunfire from protesters. '[The officers] were Bolivians who gave their lives at a time when the country is under siege, facing the risk that elections might not be able to take place,' said Arce. The UN human rights office has called for an 'impartial and thorough' investigation into the deaths. Morales, who had defended 'mobilisation and blockades' as 'legitimate expressions of resistance,' later said he is an 'enemy of protests' and claimed that 'what happened in Llallagua was well staged' to incriminate his supporters. 'It's crazy for him to say that, because he is the 'father' of the blockades: he built his entire political career blocking roads,' said economic analyst Gonzalo Chávez Alvarez, a professor at the Universidad Católica Boliviana. Morales is barred from running by a constitutional court ruling that reaffirmed the constitution's two-term presidential limit and by the electoral court, which argued that his party is not officially registered. Bolivia's longest-serving leader governed from 2006 to 2019. After about a decade of prosperity driven by a natural gas boom, reserves had dwindled, and an economic crisis began. In 2019, he sought a fourth term; there was a blackout during the vote count, and when it resumed, it showed him as the winner. The country erupted in violent protests, and Morales fled to Mexico and later to Argentina. After his protégé Arce won the presidency in 2020, Morales returned, but the two soon fell out. Under Arce, the economy has deteriorated, and the country is now facing its worst economic crisis since the hyperinflation of 1985, with inflation and a shortage of US dollars and fuel. Deeply unpopular, the president reversed his decision to seek re-election and now backs his former interior minister, 36-year-old lawyer Eduardo del Castillo. Even within the left, he will face competition from the equally young senate president, 36-year-old Andrónico Rodríguez, once seen as Morales's natural heir due to his Indigenous roots and leadership in the coca growers' union, but now treated as a traitor by the former president. On the right, businessman Samuel Doria Medina, 66, and former president Jorge 'Tuto' Quiroga, 65, are polling well, and will try to oust the Movimiento al Socialismo (Mas) party after nearly two decades in power. Meanwhile, police and military forces have so far failed to execute the arrest warrant against Morales over the allegation of statutory rape. Last week, all other presidential candidates except him met in the capital, La Paz. At the end of the meeting, the head of the electoral court, Óscar Hassenteufel, pledged that elections would go ahead 'without fail' on 17 August. 'Morales wants to enter the elections at all costs, and he won't succeed,' said economist Alvarez. 'So there's uncertainty over whether the elections will really happen because it's hard to say whether Morales will have enough strength to stop them.'
