Bolivian President Luis Arce celebrated his fourth anniversary in power, highlighting achievements in foreign policy and industrialization of lithium, while facing internal divisions in the Movement Towards Socialism (MAS) and criticism from his predecessor, Evo Morales.

Upon completing four years as president of Bolivia, Luis Arce highlighted in his message to the country the admission of Bolivia into the BRICS as one of the greatest achievements of his foreign policy.

However, the celebrations also highlighted the political tensions that run through the government, with an open confrontation between Arce and former president Evo Morales, who launched strong criticism of the current government.

During his speech from the historic Murillo Plaza, Arce stressed the importance of Bolivia’s recent incorporation into the BRICS group, made up of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.

Bolivia enters as an associated state, a condition that the president valued as a fundamental step to position the country in the international arena.

Iniciamos nuestro quinto año de gestión con una importante ofrenda ancestral a nuestra Pachamama, y con el corazón lleno de amor y un profundo compromiso por #Bolivia. Con la unidad, trabajo y la determinación que caracteriza al pueblo boliviano superaremos cualquier adversidad,… pic.twitter.com/4pFhowP0O3

— Luis Alberto Arce Catacora (Lucho Arce) (@LuchoXBolivia) November 8, 2024

“It is without a doubt the most important achievement of our diplomacy, since it places us on the world stage,” said Arce.

This advance in foreign policy was consolidated after the meeting he held in October with Russian President Vladimir Putin during the BRICS summit in Kazan, where both leaders reviewed bilateral cooperation projects and agreed on Bolivia’s entry into the bloc.

Regarding economic achievements, Arce highlighted the boost given to the industrialization of lithium, one of Bolivia’s most valuable resources, and the reactivation of oil exploitation.

In his message, he urged the Plurinational Legislative Assembly (ALP) to approve the external credits and contracts necessary to develop this strategic industry. These projects, the president stressed, are fundamental for the Bolivian economy and, in his opinion, will open new opportunities for development in the coming years.

Arce, who was Minister of Economy during the Morales administration, also highlighted the efforts of his government to stabilize the country’s economy despite the difficulties. In this regard, he said that Bolivia has faced obstacles in its economic growth, including a 24-day period of blockades organized by sectors related to Morales.

However, the Bolivian president assured that economic recovery and social stability are priorities of his administration for the coming years.

Internal conflict in the MAS and tensions with Evo Morales

Despite these advances, the fourth anniversary of Arce’s mandate also highlighted the growing division within the Movement for Socialism (MAS).

During the session of the Legislative Assembly called to commemorate this day, Vice President David Choquehuanca was received with tomatoes and shouts by legislators related to Evo Morales, who blocked access to the legislative headquarters and prevented the vice president from speaking and the president’s speech in Congress.

This incident led Arce to take his message to Murillo Square. In his speech, Arce condemned the acts of vandalism and accused the “Evo” bloc of not having the will to dialogue.

“We condemn the attacks on the vice president. What we have witnessed is one of the most shameful chapters of the Bolivian Legislative Assembly,” said the president.

For his part, and through a message published on his social networks, former president Morales launched strong accusations against the Arce government, which he described as a betrayal of the founding principles of the MAS.

Morales stated that the current president “was committed to raising the economy and sank it,” and accused him of acting in an “authoritarian and repressive” manner.

He also pointed out that the Arce government has divided and privileged certain leaders of social movements to consolidate its position. For Morales, the Arce administration is neoliberal in economic terms, anti-popular in social terms, and focuses on “outlawing the MAS and disqualifying Evo.”

Amid these tensions, Arce began his fifth year of government with a ceremony in honor of Pachamama, accompanied by national authorities and Vice President Choquehuanca.

In a message of optimism, the president assured that “better days are coming for the Bolivian people” and reaffirmed his commitment to continue working on projects that promote the development of the country.

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