In a call to “rescue the country from crisis,” former president Evo Morales unveiled an ambitious government plan for 2025-2030 this Saturday in Chimoré, announcing his candidacy for president despite ongoing legal restrictions on his eligibility. Speaking to thousands of supporters at Hugo Chávez stadium— a symbol of cocalero union power— the MAS leader emphasized that his priority will be to replicate the model he implemented during his term (2006-2019), but with adjustments for the current economic and political context.
“Saving Bolivia”: the key elements of the plan
Morales dedicated a significant part of his speech to outlining measures that, according to him, will “prevent the collapse” of the country. The proposals include:
1. Fiscal austerity: Reduce public spending “like in 2006” to address the deficit, but without cutting social programs.
2. Municipal infrastructure: Reactivate Bolivia Cambia and Evo Cumple, public works projects with direct funding to communities.
3. Energy access for all: Achieve 100% three-phase electricity coverage by 2030.
4. Social reinforcement: Increase the Dignity Pension, guarantee universal retirement, and offer soft loans to university students.
5. Public health: Double the budget for the Universal Health System (SUS) to provide free services, focusing on low-income sectors.
“They’ll accuse us of being populists, but these programs lifted millions out of poverty. Now, with unity, we will do it again,” Morales stated, linking his speech to the “rescue” narrative he used after nationalizing hydrocarbons in 2006.
The setting: a symbolic event amidst tensions
The event—held in Chimoré, the region where Morales began his union career in the 90s—gathered thousands of activists who filled the stadium and its surroundings. Although the former president expressed gratitude for the mobilization, the act was overshadowed by drama: a plane flew over the area dropping flyers in support of Andrónico Rodríguez, a cocalero leader turned “official candidate” (after Arce announced he wouldn’t compete in the elections), prompting boos. Senator Leonardo Loza labeled the incident as “sabotage from the right.”
The candidacy at risk: an obstacle for the plan?
Despite the enthusiasm of his supporters, Morales’ project hinges on a decision from the Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE), which has until May 15 to approve or reject his registration. The Constitution (art. 168) and the 2016 referendum—which rejected indefinite reelection—hinders his candidacy, but the MAS argues that a ruling from the Constitutional Tribunal (2017) supports it.
Regardless of the outcome, the former president ended his speech with a message of determination: “Nothing and no one will stop the organized people. We will return to govern for the humble.”
Why does he insist on “saving” the country?
Morales’ rhetoric appeals to a segment of the electorate that sees a regression in social policies since his departure in 2019. Data from CEDLA shows that moderate poverty rose from 36% in 2019 to 39% in 2023, while indigenous organizations claim land title registrations have stalled. However, critics argue that his plan fails to outline how it will be financed in a context of reduced international reserves (from USD 15 billion in 2014 to USD 3.5 billion now) and without the commodity boom that supported his initial term.
The crucial factor: a decisive week
While the MAS prepares mobilizations to exert pressure on the TSE, the opposition warns that endorsing Morales would create instability. On the streets, the dilemma is clear: for his supporters, Morales embodies the hope of recovering a faltering model; for his detractors, he symbolizes a polarizing past. The response from the TSE will determine not only a candidacy but the direction of the most tense campaign in years.
(With information from El Nuevo Cambio)