Bolivia under Evo Morales

[Judi Lynn]

Bolivia under Evo Morales

by James Petras / December 31st, 2013


Significant changes in Latin America have mystified writers, journalists, academics, and policy-makers who purport to comment on developments in Latin America. The case of Bolivia and two-term President Evo Morales (2006-2014) is illustrative of the utter confusion in political labelling.

A brief survey of his ideological pronouncements, foreign policy declarations and economic policies highlights a very astute political regime which successfully manipulates radical rhetoric and applies orthodox economic policies with a populist style of politics which insures repeated electoral victories and an unprecedented degree of political stability and continuity.

The Morales Regime in Perspective

From a comparative-historical perspective the Morales regime would probably be considered as the world’s most conservative radical regime or the most radical conservative regime. This apparent contradiction is resolved by examining the policies and practices of the regime. But what is not in question is that the Morales regime, his advisers and government, have extraordinary wide backing. His allies include leaders of the social movements at home, as well as overseas investors and mining executives, trade union leaders and domestic bankers; agro-business exporters and business leaders and Indian coca farmers, all enthusiastic supporters of the “First Indigenous President” in Latin America and the region’s leading advocate of extractive capital!

The Morales regime has won every election, six in all, since 2005, including two Presidential elections, each by a larger margin. His vote has increased from 50% to 60% and Morales, looking to national elections in 2014, promises to garner 70% of the ballots. No President in the history of Bolivia has secured consecutive electoral victories, and ruled democratically for such an extended period of time (8 years)with political stability.

More:
http://dissidentvoice.org/2013/12/bolivia-under-evo-morales/

[Warpy]

1. Bolivia was lucky to get him

I've been surprised by his longevity. It wasn't unusual for that country to have 2 regimes a month, each one deposed at gunpoint. He was elected precisely because he was one of the indigenous people and he's surprised everyone by governing for all, even for the rich colonialists so they won't be frightened away.

No one wants to get rid of him and that in itself is remarkable.

Chevron might want a puppet but even they know no puppet would survive more than a few weeks and be unable to throw the case.

[Judi Lynn]

2. Bolivian President Calls for More Programs to Reduce Extreme Poverty

Bolivian President Calls for More Programs to Reduce Extreme Poverty

La Paz, Jan 3 (Prensa Latina) President of Bolivia, Evo Morales, urged to promote more productive programs to reduce extreme poverty in the countryside and in cities.
During an extended cabinet meeting held in Cochabamba, Morales explained that such a task is in the hands of everyone.

He revealed that he sent the Minister of the Presidency, Juan Ramón Quintana, to Brazil to learn about the export of fish raised in ponds, because it is an initiative that can be replicated in places like Beni and Pando.

This, said the dignitary, would allow us to have balanced food and industrialized fish products.

Productive programs, he said, would give employment to the Bolivians in the countryside and in the city, and thus improving the economic situation of many families in need of an alternative.

http://www.plenglish.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2231591&Itemid=1

(Short article, no more at link.)

[bemildred]

3. "The Morales regime has won every election, six in all, since 2005,

including two Presidential elections, each by a larger margin. His vote has increased from 50% to 60% and Morales, looking to national elections in 2014, promises to garner 70% of the ballots. No President in the history of Bolivia has secured consecutive electoral victories, and ruled democratically for such an extended period of time (8 years)with political stability."