Travel Log Contents
Blogroll |
 Recent Bolivian PoliticsBack to La PazBy Daniel Lins - 2009-11-12
Recent Bolivian Politics With the election of Evo Morales, the first indigenous president of Bolivia, the country has really started to change. Not everyone likes him, for sure, but he is getting things done.
All through the countryside, we see signs and graffiti of "Evo Yes!" "Yes! to the New Constitution!"
The country is made up of about 60% indigenous population, and has only ever had leaders of European descent. During its troubled 180 years as a Republic, Bolivia has had more than 220 changes in leadership. Evo is one of the first to hold a stable authority, and it looks like he will continue to hold the favor of the majority of the country for a long time.
He is a president of the people, the pueblo, and has really shown himself to be a dramatic change from the corrupt, money-sucking politicians before him. He makes it a point to arrive at work early every morning, to show an example of a hard worker, and has decided to cut his own salary in half, mandating that no other government official can be paid more than him. The people of the countryside love him because he has diverted money to education, roads, and health programs for the nation.
But he has made enemies among the richer class and foreigners. His reforms tend to be in favor of the poorer class, which alienates the rich city-folk. As a former coca farmer, he supports its growth, as one of Bolivia’s primary exports. It grows particularly well in the Bolivian climate, and sells at higher prices than other crops. He won’t prohibit it because it has many good uses, despite pressure from the US to stop its production.
Riding through the countryside, it is easy to see the evidence of his successful programs. Talking with farmers, we can see their widespread support of him. Talking to city-folk, we find mixed reviews. It is obvious that Bolivia has a long way to go to be respected on the world stage, but Evo is certainly the first step. 
|
