Press Mentions

There’s been a creeping rollback of the part of the energy reform that favored renewables. Little by little, it’s been undermining the renewables sector. 

We’re at a moment when leaders in country after country where political institutions are being questioned and not seen as credible by citizens. It is not a good sign for democracy that the military is the arbiter. It’s a reflection of the bankruptcy of political parties and leaders who need to rely on the military to govern and stay in power.

A pesar de las especificidades de cada país, América Latina está atravesada por un mismo sentimiento de cólera, frustración y decepción.

President Morales, his vice president, and the leaders of the House and Senate all resigned. This created a vacuum of power, as the constitutional line of succession does not contemplate a case in which these four positions are vacant.

Morales’ removal from power has polarized the hemisphere along tired, ideological lines.

The United States and some governments in Latin America recognize Añez as the legitimate interim president, while other governments in the region argue that Morales was the victim of a coup. This is a negative development for cooperation among nations in the Americas, and underscores the importance of Bolivia holding credible, inclusive elections as soon as feasible.

Although compulsory voting increases voter turnout, it also raises questions on democratic freedom. There is a certain discomfort on the obligatory part of it. It’s the worrying idea that you can fine someone for not participating in the democratic process, it feels regressive, a tax on people with fewer resources, or less ability to engage.

Submitting a blank or spoiled vote is an indicator in and of itself, especially in polarizing elections. Not voting at all doesn’t capture that in the same way – it’s easy to dismiss not voting as apathy, whereas [a blank or spoiled vote] is a clear sign of voter discontent against the system.

Bolivia's polarization needs to healed by new leadership. The temptation for any vengeance against Morales supporters needs to be resisted. That would be a recipe for continued conflict and chaos that could well put at risk some of the country's undeniable socioeconomic gains over the past decade.

Es probable que los manifestantes enojados en otros países interpreten el caso boliviano como evidencia de que la presión sostenida en la calle puede tener éxito en derribar gobiernos, lo que podría agregarse a un cóctel ya inflamable en Chile y otros países. Al mismo tiempo, hay una lección que aprender para otros gobiernos presos del conflicto social. El giro de los acontecimientos en Bolivia po­dría empujar al gobierno de Piñera en Chile a responder de manera más efectiva y presentar propuestas serias pa­ra responder las demandas de los ciudadanos.

Los hechos recientes en Bolivia tienen importantes repercusiones en la región. Las reacciones de los otros gobiernos han sido, como era de esperar, divididas, y han mostrado las líneas de fractura y las tensiones ideológicas en América Latina.

The left had a very long stretch [in Latin America] but it’s unlikely to be repeated. Going forward, political cycles will be shorter, because governing is so much harder and expectations greater than ever.

Ces dernières années l'économie bolivienne était au beau fixe sous Evo Morales. Mais avec la chute des cours des matières premières, le gouvernement a été obligé d'emprunter davantage et puiser dans les réserves. Le modèle économique bolivien (basé sur l'exploitation des matières premières), qui a fonctionné durant des années, n'est plus tenable.

There is no indication right now that the military plans to rule [in Bolivia]. Nonetheless, I don't think we can be happy about what seems to have been a role of the military in causing Morales to step down.

No existen indicios en este momento de que el ejército planee asumir el poder [en Bolivia]. Sin embargo, no creo que podamos quedar contentos con lo que parece ser una participación del ejército en la salida de Morales.