'They are selling Bolivia' - Evo Morales accuses government of surrendering sovereignty
Key Takeaways
- Morales claimed the government is surrendering Bolivia's sovereignty through agreements involving energy and lithium resources.
- He accused the administration of "state terrorism" and alleged drug traffickers are operating within the government.
- The remarks came during a protest march demanding President Rodrigo Paz's resignation and the holding of snap elections.
Former president claims US influence is growing as protests intensify and calls mount for snap elections
Former Bolivian President Evo Morales has accused the government of President Rodrigo Paz of handing over the country's sovereignty and natural resources to the United States amid a growing political crisis.
Speaking at a "For Life, to Save Bolivia" rally in Chimore on Wednesday, Morales claimed the government was deepening ties with Washington while the country faced widespread unrest.
"It has already signed several energy and mining agreements. What does energy mean? Lithium. In the middle of this conflict, they continue signing agreements with the United States," Morales said.
"They are selling Bolivia."
Morales also accused the administration of links to drug trafficking and state repression.
"The drug traffickers are in the government," Morales claimed.
"Terrorism is cutting off electricity, cutting off basic services such as telephone service, closing banks. They have shut down Banco Union. That is terrorism, state terrorism. And even worse, Rodrigo Paz publicly says that he is calling on society to confront the protesters, to make brothers fight against brothers."
The former president further alleged that the United States was increasing its presence in Bolivia to protect its interests and support the government.
"Americans are coming here to shoot at us, and now the military base is returning. A month ago, the United States Southern Command arrived, and a military commander was reporting to them. What a disgrace, reporting to the Americans. The DEA is one thing, and the United States Southern Command is another," Morales stated.
His comments came during a march organised with the Six Federations of the Cochabamba Tropics, a coalition of coca-grower and peasant organisations.
The demonstration forms part of a broader wave of anti-government protests that have spread across Bolivia in recent months. Labour unions, miners, teachers, transport workers and rural groups have demanded economic relief, while some protesters are calling for President Paz to resign.
Morales is also demanding that Paz step down and call snap elections.
Earlier this week, Paz said demonstrations calling for his resignation were being promoted by "narcoterrorists."
The president has also backed legislation that would expand his powers to declare a state of emergency, allowing the armed forces to assist police in removing roadblocks and potentially restricting freedom of movement and assembly.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
