Bolivia Weekly » Nate

Transport Unions To Meet With Evo, Maintain Rate Increase

Nate — Sat, 08 Jan 2011 09:44:27 +0000

Unionized drivers have requested a meeting next week with President Evo Morales to explain their intent to increase transport rates by 22-24% on municipal, inter-departmental, and international routes. According to René Vargas, executive secretary of a La Paz driver union, an in-person meeting with the president is the only option following a failed attempt at negotiating with three government ministers. Despite efforts from government and transportation leaders to compromise, representative of the Labor Confederation of Bolivian Drivers (CSCHB) Franklin Durán said that the national rate increase would begin on Monday, as was decided at a nation-wide sector meeting in Santa Cruz. Mr. Durán said the increase was the result of technical and financial needs.

To justify the drivers’ requests Mr. Vargas said, “At one time, in favor of elections, the president asked us to maintain rates of that time. We agreed to that request on the condition that the government conduct an outside consultation to determine the costs of the measure; for which the government paid $US 35 million.” Mr. Vargas said that meetings with government ministers were not productive because representatives did not have power to make relevant decisions. Mr. Vargas also said that a primary concern of the transportation unions will be to make known the resolution passed in Santa Cruz which, for the first time, would nationalize transportation rates.

Within the expected rate hikes every region is expected to increase rates differently. In La Paz rates will increase from 1.5 bolivianos (Bs) to 2 Bs. while in Santa Cruz rates are expected to increase to 2.2 Bs from 1.5 Bs. per ride. Mr. Durán also said that drivers would be able to determine their own maximum rates citing the rising living expenses throughout the country.

For mores in Spanish see:

http://www.laprensa.com.bo/noticias/8-1-2011/noticias/08-01-2011_9270.php

http://www.erbol.com.bo/noticia.php?identificador=2147483939190

Vice President Continues To Battle Gasoline Subsidies On Television

Nate — Mon, 03 Jan 2011 22:18:51 +0000

In a two-hour special report on Channel 7 yesterday, Vice President Álvaro García Linera explained in detail the need to end what he called the unsustainable gasoline subsidies. The vice president’s attempt to explain the government’s recent abolition of the subsidies and subsequent hike in gasoline costs accused opposition leaders of initiating the nation-wide protests last week. While García Linera repeated his call for the need to end the artificially low gas prices, he also said that the government would first consult the “social sector” before future attempts to remove gasoline subsidies.

García Linera’s argument reiterated the reasoning put forward by the government when the gasoline prices were first put forward: that gasoline subsidies are increasing every year at unsustainable rates. The vice president said that 2011 could cost the government US$500 million in subsidies and that government forecasts predict US$1 billion in diesel and gas import costs. While he conceded that the government has the resources to continue the subsidies through 2011, García Linera went on to say that “in the long term this situation will become unsustainable for the economy.” To illustrate his point, the vice president pointed to bottles of water and beer on-stage saying the idea that a liter of gasoline would be cheaper than water or beer, as is currently the case, is not realistic. The vice president concluded his remarks saying that a price increase is “inevitable” but that social groups will be consulted before future decisions are made. He also took the opportunity to continue the government’s attacks against gasoline smuggling.

For more in Spanish see:

http://www.laprensa.com.bo/noticias/3-1-2011/noticias/03-01-2011_9006.php

Drivers Reject “Gas Hit” and Raise Tariffs By Up To 100%

Nate — Wed, 29 Dec 2010 18:16:11 +0000

The blow-back from the government’s recent decision to halt gasoline subsidies and increase gas prices by up to 80% continued today as bus and taxi drivers throughout the country announced a rise in transport tariffs. The Confederation of Bolivian Drivers announced its rejection of the gas increase as well as the new tariffs suggested by the Transport Authority. The confederation demanded the immediate repeal of Decree 0748, the law which canceled the oil subsidies that had kept gas prices the same for seven years. The decision to increase ride costs was ratified during an emergency meeting of the sector where prices were increased between 70-100% in every part of the country. During the emergency meeting industry leaders also decided to initiate a 24-hour transport strike this Thursday that will include marches in La Paz and other cities.

The increased prices have led to confusion and complaints in many cities with passengers often asking for prices before boarding because prices are so variable. The current transportation instability has also stranded travelers in bus terminals throughout the country as bus lines have suspended service to protest and reevaluate prices. Increased oil prices have also led to an increase of 15.1-16.1% on many food staples. People have been lining up outside distribution centers to stock up on sugar, flour, rice, and oil in anticipation of coming price increases.

For more in Spanish:

http://www.laprensa.com.bo/noticias/29-12-2010/noticias/29-12-2010_8818.php

http://www.la-razon.com/version_temp.php?ArticleId=1077&EditionId=2391&idp=10&ids=161

Heavy Rains Cause Flash Flooding in Zona Sur

Nate — Wed, 29 Dec 2010 17:48:23 +0000

A rainstorm that pounded much of La Paz yesterday caused the Huayñajawira River to overflow its banks and damaged seven houses in Zona Sur. The flooding also closed Costanera Avenue between 8th and 20th streets in Calacoto for an hour and a half. Officials have blamed the flooding on inadequate reinforcements to dams along the river which were intended to control water surges. The Pampahasi Central Bajo neighborhood suffered the brunt of the flood damage. Pampahasi is one of four areas of La Paz identified by the mayor’s office as high risk regions for flooding and landslides. City officials have repeatedly recommended that residents of high risk areas move for their own safety but many people have ignored those suggestions. Rolando Quisbert, director of the Pampahasi Risk Committee, said that “the rains widen existing cracks in buildings and people are afraid of damage to their homes” but also emphasized that locals have no interest in relocation. The heavy rains are expected to continue through Thursday.

For more in Spanish see:

http://www.la-razon.com/version.php?ArticleId=123169&EditionId=2391

Logging License Concessions To Be Reinvested Into State Logging Company

Nate — Mon, 20 Dec 2010 19:33:46 +0000

Juan Ramón Quintana, director of the Macroregion and Border Zone Development Agency (Ademaf), announced that funds raised through government logging contracts would be invested in the creation of a Bolivian Forestry Company (Ebof) in the first trimester of 2011. Mr. Quintana explained that the formation of the company would be dependent on concession returns from private logging companies and financing approval by the Environment and Water Ministry and the Legislative Assembly. In prior comments on the changes to government concessions created by the plan, president of the Confederation of Private Businesses Daniel Sánchez expressed concern that the change in concession policy would result in a state takeover of goods and activities. Mr. Quintana responded to these criticisms saying the principle goals of the Ebof will be to curb the insistence of illegal logging and to promote responsible forestry in the Amazon region.

For more in Spanish:

http://www.laprensa.com.bo/noticias/20-12-2010/noticias/20-12-2010_8839.php

Opposition Parties Delay Leadership Promotion, Fear MAS Attacks

Nate — Mon, 20 Dec 2010 19:12:11 +0000

As national opposition party officials work to form legislation and groom new party leaders, fear of political and personal attacks from MAS politicians and supporters has caused the opposition to postpone announcing new leaders until 2014. This stance was announced simultaneously but separately by National Unity party (UN) representative Elizabeth Reyes, ex-presidential candidates for the rural movement Felipe Quispe and Román Loayza, ex-gubernatorial candidate and analyst Félix Patzi, and René Joaquino ally Amilkar Barral. Ms. Reyes emphasized that the plan was a political strategy rather than a disadvantage, saying that “anyone who emerges as an opposition leader will be ‘beheaded,’ persecuted, and imprisoned.”

The opposition’s hesitation comes after a year in which several opposition leaders and candidates were accused and prosecuted of criminal activity. Affected opposition officials include ex-presidential candidate and Potosí mayor René Joaquino, who was tried and sentenced to 3 years in prison for buying used vehicles, and Sucre mayor Jaime Barrón, currently under investigation for acts of violence committed in 2008. Rubén Costas, governor of Santa Cruz, and Ernesto Suárez, Beni governor, have both been accused of embezzlement while Tarija governor Mario Cossío was suspended days ago for the same charge. Opposition leaders say MAS is carrying out a “witch-hunt” to dispose of dissenters and complain that the government is repressing the emergence of new opposition politicians.

In contrast to the opposition’s hesitation, MAS officials have already begun forming news plans and leaders in anticipation of the 2014 elections. Alfredo Rada, leader of the National School for Political Formation, said the MAS party is hoping to create 10,000 new leaders before 2014.

For more in Spanish see:

http://www.la-razon.com/version.php?ArticleId=122809&EditionId=2382

Tarija Governor Suspended By MAS-Controlled Legislative Assembly

Nate — Thu, 16 Dec 2010 06:02:35 +0000

Last night the Tarija legislative assembly, led by MAS (Movimiento al Socialismo) politicians and allies, voted to temporarily suspend Tarija governor Mario Cossío Corte and elected MAS legislator Lino Condori as his replacement. The special legislative session was called yesterday to address claims of negligence and wasteful conduct on the part of Mr. Cossío. The case in question goes back to November 2006, when the ex-prefecture of Tarija signed a contract with the company Imbolsur for the purchase of 2,990 tons of asphault to complete the Puerta El Chaco-Canaletas highway project. Investigations of the project released one week ago revealed that 7% of the total contract amount, 1.339 million bolivianos, had been “lost” in the deal. The lost state money increased scrutiny of Governor Cossío and led to accusations of his involvement in a blow against the Bolivian government.

Yesterday’s decision to suspend Gov. Cossío came after many attempts by both civilian and political supporters of the governor to stall the emergency session. Attempts to stop the legislative session began before morning debates when 11 members of the citizen group Camino al Cambio (Walk to Change) started a hunger strike in support of Cossío. Mr. Cossio joined the hunger strike shortly thereafter. As tension in the capital increased, military troops from other districts moved into the area and imposed a 48-hour transport shutdown in the entire department. Some 100 pro-Cossio protesters also picketed the legislative chamber but were unable to halt the meeting’s evening start.

Since the decision, Mr. Cossio has accepted the temporary suspension and requested a peaceful transition to new departmental leadership. Mr. Cossio and his cabinet have also announced that they will not initiate efforts to impede the new government headed by Mr. Condori. Mr. Cossio has thus far cooperated with the case brought against him, a point reiterated by Tarija Governance Secretary Edgar Guzmán who said, “History will judge who made this coup and we only ask that this transition be peaceful and civilized and that there be no violence.”

Mr. Cossio’s suspension has drawn criticism from other opposition leaders, most vocally Santa Cruz governor Rubén Costas. Governor Costas, who often disagrees with policies advocated by the MAS party and President Evo Morales in particular, said Cossio’s suspension is merely an effort to leave Costas without political allies. According to Governor Costas, “[the national authorities] prefer that I find myself alone or suddenly, and this is the most probable, they want the death of my civil career.”

For more in Spanish see:

http://www.laprensa.com.bo/noticias/16-12-2010/noticias/16-12-2010_8657.php

http://www.erbol.com.bo/noticia.php?identificador=2147483938339

http://www.erbol.com.bo/noticia.php?identificador=2147483938310

Bolivian Ambassador to UN Explains Why Bolivia Refused Climate Accord

Nate — Tue, 14 Dec 2010 01:15:30 +0000

Although 193 countries signed the accord at last week’s United Nations Summit on Climate Change in Cancun, Bolivia was the only country which refused to sign after the final agreement did not include the Bolivian delegation’s proposals. Bolivia’s ambassador to the UN, Pablo Solón, explained that the exclusion of the proposed climate tribunal and a rights of Mother Earth provision, among others, were unacceptable. Mr. Solón said the Cancun accord was presented on the afternoon of the conference’s last day and that delegates were disappointed that it focused on weak regulations rejected in the 2009 Copenhagen Summit. According to Mr. Solón the failed Copenhagen proposals were presented “with changes in form, but not in substance; Bolivia criticized those proposals a year ago and will not support them.”

Some of the particular elements of the accord that Bolivia protested included the 2 degree temperature increase agreed upon by the 193 signing nations. Bolivia requested a 1 degree cap on temperature increase, citing the probability that some island and coastal nations would disappear and Africa experience dramatic desertification should global temperatures increase 2 degrees. Ambassador Solón also criticized the efforts of some larger nations, including the United States, to commit only to reducing carbon emissions to 2006 levels; a decision that would increase global temperatures five degrees in the next century.

Mr. Solón also explained Bolivia’s stance on the Green Fund formed during the summit. According to the ambassador the creation of the fund doesn’t guarantee the contributions necessary to fill the $100 billion fund and the agreement explicitly makes those funds available only until 2020. Reactions to the climate conference will continue to unfold in coming weeks, but upon his return to Bolivia President Evo Morales immediately asked Bolivian municipal authorities to submit projects to secure urban water sources in the event of extended drought.

For more in Spanish see:

http://www.laprensa.com.bo/noticias/13-12-2010/noticias/13-12-2010_8495.php

Organizations Blockade Rurrenabaque for Third Day to Protest Bridge Project

Nate — Wed, 08 Dec 2010 23:49:14 +0000

Organizations from Yucumo and San Buenavista, in the departments of Beni and La Paz respectively, closed the Rurrenabaque highway yesterday, leaving the popular tourist town in the Beni cut off by air and land for the third consecutive day. The protesters currently maintaining the Rurre blockade are protesting both sides of a proposed bridge crossing the Beni River which would connect the Yucumo and San Buenavista populations. Protesters from Yucumo, who oppose construction of the bridge, argue that it would cross the town’s historic center and harm the area’s main economic activity: tourism. Those opposing the bridge petitioned the Bolivian Highway Administration (ABC) to move the planned bridge one kilometer south of the town over a river island. ABC officials refused the proposed change saying the relocation of the bridge would triple the estimated cost of the project. Passing through the island would also be a less secure option because of the possibility of flooding.

Representatives from the La Paz side of the river requested that negotiations be held in Rurrenabaque, leading to Rurre as the site of the protests. Authorities from Rurre have requested that officials from La Paz and Beni relocate their meetings in order to stop the blockades. At the moment neither the officials from Yucumo, who have gathered more than 1,400 signatures protesting the project, nor the La Paz delegation, who maintain that the current bridge plans are the most environmentally and financially responsible, seem willing to budge.

For more in Spanish see:

http://www.la-razon.com/version.php?ArticleId=122234&EditionId=2370

Government of Santa Cruz Challenged by Recent Crime Wave

Nate — Mon, 06 Dec 2010 21:30:34 +0000

A government official from Santa Cruz expressed his frustration and concern today over a recent crime wave that has put the department in a “critical situation” and threatens the security of its residents. According to Governance Secretary Guillermo Saucedo the departmental government is gravely concerned over “the growth of this crime wave, this wave of violence, which could possibly worsen during festivities celebrating the end of the year.” Mr. Saucedo emphasized that the crime wave has led to increased cooperation between the Vice Minister of the Government and the Public Security Secretary in order to address the issue. Mr. Saucedo also announced that within the next few days Santa Cruz will be launching the first phase of its plan to improve safety: 50 security cameras positioned throughout the city.

For more in Spanish see:

http://www.erbol.com.bo/noticia.php?identificador=2147483937851