Bolivia‘s Turbulence and International Reactions

November 10, 2019 marks the end of Evo Morales’ government in Bolivia after weeks of right-wing violence and opposition riots.

Evo Morales was the first indigenous leader to be elected in Bolivia, after winning the 2005 general election with an overwhelming majority of support, reaching 53.74% of the popular vote.

Since then, Bolivia has undergone massive reforms, especially pertaining to supporting the working class and indigenous people. In the span of ten years, from 2006 to 2016, the poverty rate was cut in half, going from 38.2% to just 16.8 percent, as reported by teleSUR.

Image Source: teleSUR; “COUP D’ETAT IS CONSUMMATED IN BOLIVA, PRESIDENT MORALES RESIGNS”

In 2017, Bolivia’s Minister of Rural Development and Land exclaimed that “Bolivia produces more than 95 percent of its own food for internal consumption” and that “importation only accounted for 4 percent of total food”, as per Cesar Cocarico’s remarks. In this regard, Bolivia has primarily been considered a country that can rely on its own production, rather than rely on foreign aid programs and imports.

As a result, Morales declared the country’s independence from international economic institutions like the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank.

“These organizations dictated the economic destiny of Bolivia and the world. Today, we can say that we have total independence from them.” — Evo Morales, in regards to Bretton Woods institutions

Similar success has been noted in the healthcare system, as under Morales’ government, the United Nation’s World Health Organization (WHO) expressed that “Bolivia has become an important model for the world”, as per statements from Alfonso Tenorio, a representative for WHO.

Many have claimed that the perceived coup d’etat was not a coup, but rather simply a reaction to the pressure of the opposition. While this seems probable at first, it is clear to see the connections between how the situation in Bolivia and the resignation of Morales is a coup in and of itself.

The military asked Morales to step down, and Morales complied. If Morales decided not to step down, then there most likely would have been a military takeover.

In a couple of tweets, Morales expressed that the reasoning for him stepping down has everything to do with ensuring peace in the country and to stop the violence being committed against him and his supporters.

Nicaragua:

Daniel Ortega, the long-time president of the Sandinista National Liberation Front (FSLN) and the current President of Nicaragua, denounced the coup that had taken place.

A statement issued by the Ortega government was the following, as reported by Reuters:

Mexico:

The foreign minister of Mexico, Marcelo Ebrard, expressed support for Morales, offering him asylum if desired.

Marcelo Ebrard offering asylum to Evo Morales

Venezuela:

President Nicolas Maduro expressed support for Morales, joining Morales in declaring that a coup d’etat had taken place against the leftist government. Maduro also “categorically condemned” the coup and called on the world to mobilize in order to ensure the “preservation of the life of the Bolivian native peoples”.

Venezuelan President, Nicolas Maduro, expressing support for Morales amidst strong unrest in Bolivia

Argentina:

The president-elect of Argentina, Alberto Fernandez, expressed similar notions to that of Venezuela, considering the resignation of Morales as the result of a coup attempt by the opposition and violent protesters. Similarly, Fernandez also exclaimed his support for the democratic process in opposition to violence perpetrated by civilians.

Cuba:

Miguel Diaz-Canel, the president of Cuba, has similarly declared their solidarity with the Bolivian leader, alongside the condemnation of the coup attempt as well. At the same time, Diaz-Canel expressed sympathy for the indigenous victims hurt by violent attacks in recent weeks.

Cuban President, Miguel Diaz-Canel, expressing his support for Morales and the victims of the opposition

The violent protests oversaw the setting of fire to polling stations, the burning of the houses of several governors, as well as the kidnapping, beating, and public humiliation of Patricia Arce, the mayor of Vinto, Bolivia, that ran under Morales’ party.

María Eugenia Choque Quispe, the Supreme Electoral Tribunal President, was arrested following Morales’ resignation. On top of this, the “Attorney General’s office has issued arrest warrants for all leaders of the electoral tribunal and members of the body”, leading to Fernandez exclaiming that “institutional breakdown in Bolivia is unacceptable”.

Morales’ house has also been destroyed and vandalized by opposition protesters after his resignation.

A visualization of Morales’ house after being vandalized and demolished

Lawmaker Jeanine Añez from an opposition party has taken the role of interim president and has stated that new elections would be called for on Monday.