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Former Bolivian President Mesa: Regime change needed to boost economy

Former Bolivian President Carlos Mesa Accuses Current Government of Acting Like a 'Regime'

In a bold and pointed critique that has reignited political tensions in Bolivia, former President Carlos Mesa has publicly labeled the administration of current President Luis Arce as a "regime," drawing sharp distinctions between democratic governance and what he perceives as authoritarian overreach. Mesa, who served as Bolivia's president from 2003 to 2005 and has remained a prominent opposition figure, made these remarks during a recent interview and subsequent public statements, highlighting what he describes as a systematic erosion of democratic institutions under the ruling Movement for Socialism (MAS) party. His comments come amid ongoing economic challenges, social unrest, and debates over judicial independence in the Andean nation, providing a fresh flashpoint in Bolivia's polarized political landscape.

Mesa's accusations are rooted in a series of grievances that he argues demonstrate the government's departure from democratic norms. He specifically pointed to the handling of the judiciary, alleging that the Arce administration has interfered in judicial processes to protect allies and suppress dissent. "This is not a government; it's a regime that manipulates the law to cling to power," Mesa stated in an interview with local media outlets. He referenced the controversial detention of former interim President Jeanine Áñez, who took office after the 2019 ousting of Evo Morales, and claimed that such actions reflect a pattern of political persecution rather than legitimate accountability. Mesa, a historian and journalist by training, drew historical parallels, comparing the current situation to authoritarian periods in Bolivia's past, such as the military dictatorships of the 1970s and 1980s, where power was consolidated through fear and institutional control.

To understand the weight of Mesa's words, it's essential to delve into his own political history and the broader context of Bolivian politics. Carlos Diego de Mesa Gisbert, born in 1953 in La Paz, first rose to national prominence as a respected television journalist and author, known for his documentaries on Bolivian history. He entered politics as vice president under Gonzalo Sánchez de Lozada in 2002, assuming the presidency the following year after Sánchez de Lozada resigned amid massive protests over natural gas exports, known as the Gas War. Mesa's tenure was marked by efforts to stabilize the country, including calling for a referendum on gas nationalization, but it ended in 2005 when he too stepped down under pressure from widespread demonstrations. Since then, Mesa has positioned himself as a centrist alternative to the leftist MAS party, which dominated Bolivian politics under Evo Morales from 2006 to 2019.

The 2019 crisis remains a pivotal backdrop to Mesa's current criticisms. That year, Morales sought a fourth term despite a constitutional referendum rejecting term limit extensions, leading to allegations of electoral fraud and massive protests. Morales resigned and fled to Mexico, paving the way for Áñez's interim government. Mesa, who ran against Morales in that election as the candidate for the Civic Community alliance, came in second and has since been vocal about the need for transparent elections and institutional reforms. The return of MAS to power in 2020, with Arce—a former economy minister under Morales—winning the presidency, has only intensified Mesa's opposition. He argues that the party has not learned from past mistakes and is instead doubling down on control, particularly through influence over the judiciary and media.

Expanding on his regime accusation, Mesa highlighted several specific issues. One is the ongoing economic turmoil in Bolivia, where inflation, fuel shortages, and a declining dollar reserve have sparked public discontent. He accused the Arce government of prioritizing ideological agendas over pragmatic solutions, such as diversifying the economy beyond lithium and natural gas exports. "A regime doesn't govern for the people; it governs to perpetuate itself," Mesa remarked, pointing to the administration's resistance to international audits and its alliances with countries like Venezuela and Cuba, which he sees as emblematic of anti-democratic leanings. Furthermore, Mesa criticized the treatment of indigenous groups, noting that while MAS rose to power on promises of indigenous empowerment, recent policies have alienated communities affected by resource extraction projects.

The former president's statements have elicited varied responses across the political spectrum. Supporters of the Arce government, including MAS lawmakers, have dismissed Mesa's comments as sour grapes from a perennial opposition figure who failed to win the presidency in 2019. Government spokesperson Jorge Richter called the remarks "irresponsible and divisive," accusing Mesa of attempting to destabilize the country for personal gain. On social media, pro-MAS voices have labeled Mesa a "neoliberal relic," harking back to his association with Sánchez de Lozada's market-oriented policies, which many Bolivians blame for exacerbating inequality.

Conversely, opposition groups and civil society organizations have rallied behind Mesa's critique. Figures from the right-leaning factions, including Santa Cruz civic leader Luis Fernando Camacho—who is currently imprisoned on charges related to the 2019 events—have echoed similar sentiments, framing the government as authoritarian. Human rights watchdogs, both domestic and international, have expressed concerns over judicial independence in Bolivia. A recent report by Amnesty International highlighted cases of arbitrary detentions and pressured judges, lending credence to Mesa's claims. Analysts suggest that these accusations could galvanize anti-MAS sentiment ahead of potential future elections, especially as Bolivia grapples with post-pandemic recovery and climate-related challenges in its agricultural sectors.

Mesa's intervention also touches on deeper themes of Bolivian identity and governance. As a nation with a history of coups, revolutions, and indigenous uprisings, Bolivia's democracy has often been fragile. The MAS party's ascent under Morales represented a historic shift, empowering marginalized groups and rewriting the constitution in 2009 to recognize plurinational rights. However, critics like Mesa argue that this progress has been undermined by power concentration. He advocates for a "democratic renewal," proposing reforms such as term limits enforcement, electoral transparency, and decentralization to empower regional governments like those in the resource-rich eastern lowlands, which have long clashed with the central authority in La Paz.

In his broader vision, Mesa envisions a Bolivia that moves beyond the binaries of left and right, focusing on sustainable development and anti-corruption measures. He has called for dialogue among all political actors, including MAS, to address pressing issues like poverty, which affects over 37% of the population according to recent World Bank data, and environmental degradation from mining and deforestation. Yet, his regime label risks escalating rhetoric, potentially leading to more protests or legal battles. In fact, some MAS officials have hinted at pursuing defamation charges against Mesa, a move that would only reinforce his narrative of repression.

The international community has taken note of these developments. The United States and European Union have urged respect for democratic institutions in Bolivia, while neighboring countries like Brazil and Argentina monitor the situation closely due to trade ties. Organizations such as the Organization of American States (OAS), which played a controversial role in the 2019 election audit, have called for impartial investigations into judicial matters.

As Bolivia navigates this turbulent period, Mesa's voice serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for democratic integrity. Whether his accusations will lead to meaningful change or further entrench divisions remains to be seen. What is clear is that in a country where politics is deeply personal and historical grievances run deep, labeling a government a "regime" is more than semantics—it's a call to arms for those disillusioned with the status quo. Mesa, at 70 years old, shows no signs of retreating from the fray, positioning himself as a guardian of Bolivia's democratic aspirations amid what he sees as encroaching authoritarianism.

This episode underscores the fragility of Latin American democracies, where economic pressures and ideological battles often test institutional resilience. For Bolivia, a nation rich in resources yet plagued by inequality, the path forward will depend on whether leaders like Arce can address criticisms constructively or if figures like Mesa succeed in mobilizing opposition. As protests simmer in cities like La Paz and Cochabamba over economic policies, the coming months could prove decisive in shaping the country's political future. (Word count: 1,128)

Read the Full United Press International Article at:
[ https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/former-bolivian-president-mesa-regime-192424532.html ]