On Monday, the Six Federations of the Tropic of Cochabamba, one of Bolivia’s leading coca growers’ unions, announced a “fourth intermission,” or pause, in the mobilizations demanding the resignation of right-wing President Rodrigo Paz.
RELATED:
Bolivia’s Parliament Validates State of Emergency Decree Against Roadblocks
The announcement was made at an event attended by former President Evo Morales (2006-2019), which was held on the third day of the State of Emergency declared by Paz in an attempt to contain massive demonstrations that lasted more than a month and a half.
Union leader Isidro Auca said the pause is intended to help restore peace in the country but warned that the struggle against neoliberal policies will continue.
“This is only a pause so we can continue organizing and preparing because the Paz administration has not had the capacity to solve the problems,” he said, accusing the Bolivian Workers’ Center (COB) of betraying grassroots organizations.
Previously, on June 19, the Bolivian government and COB leader Mario Argollo signed an agreement to end road blockades and the massive protests, a deal that has been questioned by social organizations.
Evo Morales said the pause in the protests does not represent a surrender by grassroots supporters, who remain vigilant regarding the actions of the Paz administration. He reiterated accusations against the Bolivian government of handing over the country’s natural resources to transnational corporations.
The former Bolivian president also rejected the stance adopted by the Organization of American States (OAS). Over the last month, this multilateral institution has maintained a “double standard” by criticizing Bolivian protests in defense of acquired social rights and the country’s natural heritage while remaining silent about the U.S. blockade against Cuba, he said, defending the legitimacy of the movilizations.
“Through road blockades, we defeated the military dictatorships and restored democracy. Through road blockades, we defeated Operation Condor,” he said, referring to Bolivia’s long history of social struggles.
Morales also expressed support for those police officers and members of the military who refused to repress protesters, emphasizing that they do not want to become accomplices of Paz, a president who is willing to sell his country to foreigners.
The former Bolivian president also denounced a proposed constitutional amendment through which the right intends to force small agricultural producers to pay higher taxes.
Source: teleSUR English
