india

Bolivian ruling party lawmakers create ruckus reflecting political crisis | N18G

On November 21, a violent scuffle broke out in Bolivia’s Congress between lawmakers from the ruling MAS party, underscoring the country’s ongoing political crisis. The clash occurred as pro-Evo Morales lawmakers, known as "Evistas," tried to prevent the newly elected president of Congress, Omar Yujra, from assuming his duties. The conflict has been escalating for months, fueled by tensions between Morales' supporters and those loyal to current president Luis Arce, particularly over the upcoming 2025 election. Morales’ influence has waned as he and Arce increasingly clash over political control, with the dispute intensifying last month when Morales' supporters staged road blockades to pressure the government. The unrest is further compounded by a national crisis involving fuel shortages, dollar scarcity, and rising prices for essential goods. Additionally, Bolivia’s constitutional court recently barred Morales from running for office again in the 2025 elections, adding fuel to the fire.

first published: Nov 22, 2024 01:45 pm