Tension in Bolivia: Supporters of the Islamic Movement of America attacked demonstrators in Santa Cruz and the opposition prepares for the establishment of a municipal council

this friday Bolivia Meets 21 days From stops s closing In the country, more precisely in the region Santa Cruz The economic engine of the nation. The general strike, which has been going on for three weeks, calls for a general population census During the next year instead of 2024 when the government plans to postpone it for logistical reasons.

The results of this census will allow Redistribution of seats In the legislature, as well as a Updated budget For social assistance, among other things.

During today’s session, supporters of the Islamic Movement of America attempted to open central roads in the city to restore traffic, which led to clashes with protesters defending the force’s measure. Police officers had to be in the conflict zone and use tear gas to disperse the rival groups. There were no reports of arrests or injuries so far.

Meanwhile, the Santa Cruz Civic Commission – Who leads the protests- called for a board Sunday afternoon, with the idea of ​​deciding whether to maintain or tighten the dynamometer. A few days ago, the group had participated in a negotiating table with the president’s government Louis Ars That was not successful.

“We are waiting for an important participation of citizens on Sunday,” he told KUNA. EFE Spokesperson for the Civil Committee of Santa Cruz, Manfred Bravoafter confirming the decision to advance to City Hall, which was originally scheduled for Tuesday the 15th.

Bravo also stressed that “the strike was not in vain” since “it was… Inclusion of the census problem on the national agendaHowever, Arce seems to ignore these demonstrations given that the President is expected to issue a decree During the following hours with the new census date, which cannot be expected before that date The first quarter of 2024.

In any case, without losing hope of a positive response from the executive branch, Bravo explained that the decision on the continuation or termination of the strike and pressure measures “depend on the content of the decree.” “The battle has been fruitful and it is necessary to prepare for whatever comes in the future.”

On his part, the head of the 2023 Census Leadership CommitteeAnd the Vicente CuellarAnd he warned that “it is in the hands of the President of the Republic to issue a supreme decree setting the new date for conducting the census, The pacification of this country is in the hands of the President“.

In addition to being the region’s economic engine, Santa Cruz is home to the opposition led by its governor, Luis Fernando Camachowho is leading protests for a census that would give his region more political power and more money – to concentrate the largest population in Bolivia -.

Two years after taking power, Arce is currently facing the toughest struggle yet in his administration. Added to the street protests is the climate of increased tension caused by social conflicts motivated by Product shortage basic and powerful Disputes within your party.

In this context, in a letter, Arce accused “some groups” of wanting to “destabilize us again” in reference to political crisis in which country do you live? 2019 After the failed elections that were denounced as fraudulent before Organization of American States (Organization of American States) in which the then president Evo Morales He was seeking a fourth term in a row.

This outbreak left 37 people dead and led to Morales’ resignation and subsequent departure from the country to Mexico and then Argentina.

Months later, in 2020, elections awarded Luis Ars the winner as president – Morales’ political heir – who is at odds with his mentor over disagreements within the party. MAS (Movement Toward Socialism).

(With information from EFE and AP)

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