Presidential elections in Bolivia | "Bolivia is in the grip of three crises"

The presidential candidates for the August elections have been nominated since May 19th. What are the people concerned about? In Bolivia, we are currently experiencing three major crises. First, there is an institutional crisis in which the government is heavily interfering in matters outside its constitutional jurisdiction, for example, in the Supreme Electoral Court. Second, there is a power struggle within the ruling Movement Toward Socialism (MAS), in which President Luis Arce and Evo Morales are fighting for control of the party and, ultimately, power in the state, which has led to the party's fragmentation. Third, we are in the midst of a severe economic crisis that is weighing heavily on many people. The population is angry and wants protection from unemployment and an end to high food prices. Many are striving for renewal, but I believe the opposition has misunderstood this desire, thinking that change is synonymous with right-wing politics. A candidate like Andrónico Rodríguez (former protégé of Evo Morales, ed.) could play a key role by building a bridge in these conflicts and at least defusing the crisis.

Would the current transformation process in Bolivia, known as “Cambio,” be endangered by a success of the right-wing opposition?

The process of change has played a significant role. Evo Morales has empowered a marginalized sector of society, especially the indigenous population. I believe that Morales has fulfilled his role to this point, and that a large part of the social base is looking for other political figures. While Morales influences decisions from the top, the majority should actually decide from the bottom up—that's a fundamental principle of social movements.

More than half of Bolivia's population is under 25 years old. What are their views on current political developments?

Many young people in Bolivia grew up with the "cambio" process. While the older generation sees Morales as a representative of ethnicity, identity, and class, many young people identify with their indigenous roots but do not necessarily consider themselves indigenous. Their identity is diverse. They are also interested in new digital technologies because they want to share content online or conduct business via digital networks. In a country with no data protection and many restrictions on digital markets, a future government should therefore focus more on digital issues. Environmental protection and feminism are also relevant, but not as visible here as in Argentina or Mexico. The economy, on the other hand, will be a reference area that will attract many young voters. I believe that the "cambio" process has fulfilled its mission by opening up opportunities for indigenous people to overcome their marginalization – and now also to assert themselves in the digital world, on social media.

Is the way young people achieve political and social change also changing?

We live in a highly polarized political situation, and I believe people are tired of this polarization and will gradually overcome it. I am committed to politics that more closely addresses the needs of a new generation and see potential young leaders emerging. It remains to be seen how they will shape politics, as traditional social organizations are losing influence and power. The new generation must find alternative ways to become politically active, be it through universities, institutions, or non-governmental organizations. The current challenges therefore also offer an opportunity to develop new leaders.