Padrão de Resposta

The text discusses the recent crisis in Bolivia. Neo-liberal reforms in the country have caused thousands of unemployed Indians to migrate to the Chapare regions and to El Alto, on the outskirts of the capital, La Paz. These populations have organised large scale political demonstrations in the capital, demanding a more representative constitution and the nationalisation of oil and gas reserves, which have been exploited by private companies increasingly since the 1990s.
A socialist Aymara Indian, Evo Morales, has become the most important political figure on the demonstrators’ side. He is supported by the indigenous population and has demonstrated affinity with Cuba’s Castro and Venezuela’s Chavez. Since the overthrow of President Losada in 2003, the demonstrations have brought about the resignation of three other presidents, including a representative of the country’s white landowners, who demand autonomy and oppose the Indian movement. The presidency is currently in the hands of Eduardo Rodriguez, but elections have been scheduled. A victory by Evo Morales may affect neighbouring countries, where similar Indian movements are taking place.