Bolivian Ambassadors Reaffirm Their Loyalty to President Luis Arce
Bolivian President Luis Arce, 2024. X/ @PanAmPost_es
November 4, 2024 Hour: 12:12 pm
Previously, Morales asked for the resignation of senior officials to avoid being complicit in ‘the worst government in history.’
On Sunday, ambassadors, consuls, and vice consuls from Bolivia in at least 30 countries pledged their “unbreakable loyalty” to President Luis Arce after former President Evo Morales called for a collective resignation of high-ranking officials to avoid being “accomplices to the worst government in history.”
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“In response to the invitation to abandon our positions, we want to be categorical in rejecting these kinds of insinuations, which are undemocratic and reactionary, threatening the economy and security of Bolivians, and disregarding the democratic path to harmonious and peaceful coexistence,” reads the officially released statement.
“We will not resign, we will not flee! Our loyalty is unbreakable, with our president and with our people,” declared the diplomatic officials, whose names and positions also appear in the statement.
Previously, on Thursday, Morales called for a collective resignation of high-ranking officials to avoid being “accomplices to the worst government in history.” Several ministers, vice ministers, and directors responded, saying they are “neither cowards nor traitors” and expressed their loyalty to President Arce.
The controversy began with a post by Morales, who is also the leader of the ruling Movement Towards Socialism (MAS), highlighting the “ethical decision of some government officials” who have shown “an honest attitude,” in an apparent reference to alleged resignations within the national administration.
The letter issued on Sunday states that the intention of those calling for resignations clearly shows their disdain for democratic institutions. “We ask those destabilizing and anti-democratic groups to renounce the blockades, the violence, the confrontation, the suffocation of the economy, and the defense of personal interests that seek impunity. These actions, which harm the country’s economy and stability, will never be the democratic path to resolve any type of conflict,” say the Bolivian diplomats.
Groups loyal to Evo Morales have maintained a 21-day blockade of highways, demanding the withdrawal of judicial proceedings against him for human trafficking and statutory rape, calling for solutions to the country’s economic situation, and advocating for his presidential candidacy in the 2025 elections.
The authorities who signed the letter affirm they will continue to defend the rights and constitutional guarantees of all Bolivians, especially those of children and adolescents who have the right to live safely and free from all forms of violence.
On Sunday, Morales called for “unconditional” dialogue, while the government responded that it is open to discussing his demands “on the fundamental premise” that the road blockades are lifted. Arce and Morales have been at odds since 2021 over differences in state administration, which have deepened due to the need to renew MAS’s national leadership and choose the official candidate for the 2025 elections.
teleSUR/ JF Source: EFE
