Evo Morales leaves march in Bolivia because his political figure was “satanized”

PeaceFormer Bolivian President Evo Morales (2006-2019), leader of the ruling Movement Towards Socialism (MAS), unexpectedly announced on Wednesday his decision to abandon the march he was leading, arguing that the government is “demonizing” his political figure by seeking re-election in the 2025 presidential elections.

“Since Evo is being demonized, penalized and criminalized so much, I have decided after this day to withdraw from the march,” said the former Bolivian president to his followers, who are heading to the town of Lahuachaca, in the Andean Altiplano, 128 kilometers from the city of La Paz.

Morales’ announcement comes amid growing criticism and accusations from officials in the government of Bolivian President Luis Arce, who accuse the politician of fomenting violence by seeking to shorten the current presidential term and enable his candidacy at any cost to return to power through re-election.

Morales began a walk on Tuesday from the Altiplano region to La Paz, in defense of the respect of his right to participate in the 2025 presidential elections.

The march covers some 190 kilometers and is accompanied by supporters from related sectors such as farmers, indigenous people and miners.

Initially, the anti-government march included economic demands, but it has been transformed into a political stage to promote Morales’ candidacy for next year’s elections, which has generated rejection from the Executive.

Tensions between the two political parties increased after several ministers in Arce’s cabinet accused Morales of orchestrating an attempted coup.

President Arce’s government stressed that the recent blockades and protests promoted by the former president not only affect the country’s political stability, but also its economic stability.

The Minister of Economy and Public Finance, Marcelo Montenegro, warned that the Bolivian economy has weakened due to internal conflicts, in addition to the global context.

Meanwhile, Vice President David Choquehuanca was blunt in stating on Wednesday that “if you violate the Constitution (…) you are violating the legal system and democratic institutions, which constitutes a crime that is punishable by law.”