Ciao!

Good luck, Mesa

10.17.2003

Goni resigned. Actually, he sent his resignation to parliament, which then had to vote to accept or reject the resignation. The parliament met, under rather raucous circumstances. Parliamentarians who voted to reject the resignation, were shouted down and threatened by members of MAS and MIP.

In the end, of course, the vote supported Goni's resignation. Minutes later, Carlos Mesa was installed as Bolivia's new president.

Mesa's first speech to parliament as president was significant. He promised the same things Goni did numerous times: 1) a popular referendum on the issue of gas exports, 2) a modification of the Ley de Hidrocarburos, and 3) to call a Constituent Assembly.

However, he added a few things that might come back to haunt him. He considers his government a transitional one, and not necessarily to last until 2007. He left the issue up to the parliament. This makes it much easier for Solares (who states he'll oppose Mesa, regardless) and other dirigentes to continue protesting, despite having won all of their demands.

Mesa also stated he'd govern w/o political parties. This has the positive effect of reducing the number of pegas familiar in Bolivian politics. But the pegas themselves win support for the very parties he'll need to support him and to pass laws in parliament.

He did, however, make two important points that, I hope, the protesters pay close attention to. First, he stressed that Bolivia is "risking its life as a nation and as a democracy" in the current crisis. Essentially, he agreed w/ Goni's statement that much of the protest stemmed from social elements wanting to destroy the nation's democracy in the name of syndicalist authoritarianism.

Second, he added a note all Bolivians should remember: Bolivia's broke. Mesa pointed out that the government can't afford to meet all demands, no matter how legitimate they are. He asked the people to understand, to use self-discipline, and to let him govern.

There's much nervousness among the TV talking heads about the future of the country. Will Mesa last? Solares (COB leader) just announced continued highway blockade roads and other acts of pressure unless Mesa immediately announces to not export any gas in any way. Will Tarija and Santa Cruz secede? Both threatened to do so if they're not allowed to export their gas. Right now, no one knows.

A news analyst just made an excellent point that shines light on Solares' attitude. She pointed out to him that the president can't promulgate or derogate laws (as Solares kept calling on Goni, and now Mesa, to do). Only dictators promulgate or derogate laws. In Bolivia's constitutional democracy, parliament passes or rescinds laws. And it does so after debate, not immediately.

Portions of the middle class joined the protest hoping Goni's resignation would end the political crisis. They're wrong. I wish Mesa the best of luck; I wouldn't want to be in his shoes.

Posted by Miguel at 11:53 PM

Comments

Posted by: latinopundit at October 18, 2003 02:34 PM