Mixed news from Bolivia

01.15.2005

President Mesa's authorized the military to use lethal force "if necessary". He still insists on negotiation, and the army's only to use force if attacked, under direct authority from the president (i.e. not discretional authority).

This is good. At some point the fact that even a democratic state is still a state (defined as holding the legitimate monopoly over the means of coercion), and must enforce some basic sense of authority. This isn't necessarily indicative of any "repressive" measures by Mesa — who's shown himself more than reluctant to enforce public order. Rather, it's a sign that Mesa's hit his breaking point, and that repeated calls that the government can't continue to show weakness, and simply cave in to every demand — since it merely encourages other groups to radicalize & make their own demands — have finally hit home.

Barrio Flores has more, including news of an emerging "patriotic alliance" of legislators who're trying to find common ground, to defend Mesa's presidency, and democratic government. So perhaps a center's reforming?

More good news? Santa Cruz didn't vote for secession. Yet. They gave the government a one month deadline to approve a referendum on regional autonomies. They also reiterated opposition to eliminating of oil subsidies.

Also good. It means that Santa Cruz leaders are still willing to work w/in the framework of a unified, democratic state. It also means that they're primary concern now isn't secession, but the demand that a central authority restore some semblance of stability & order. Secession, after all, wouldn't bring stability — certainly not in the short term.

Some bad news? This email from La Paz:

Something major was going on last night at 4:30-5 am. Sounded like troops running in formation through Sopocachi with someone yelling out commands and them responding. After they passed by, several booms/loud explosions (dynamite or loud firecrackers), followed by several planes flying low overhead.

No official reports, so it could be nothing. But Sopocachi (a residential, middle-class neighborhood in downtown La Paz) houses several important buildings, including the Defense Ministry, the Government Ministry, and Naval HQ (the current head of the armed forces is an admiral).

Posted by Miguel at 06:37 PM

Comments

Bolivia certainly is kinetic.

Posted by: tom at January 16, 2005 12:19 PM