Bolivia needs everyone's help to prosper again

By Roberto Morejon

The enemies of democracy and the government in Bolivia, after the frustrated military coup attempt, have resumed their hostile campaigns in Congress, blocking the approval of a billion dollars in loans to the country.

The opposition, which controls the plurinational Legislative Assembly, appeals to the government of President Luis Arce for this form of harassment.

A message from the President to the Legislative Assembly emphasized the urgency of the situation, given the difficulties in supplying the national market with products, including fuel.

Apparently, after the first month following the frustrated coup attempt, the opposition was able to overcome the unrest provoked by the arrival of military forces and equipment in La Paz in a defiant and unconstitutional position.

Condemned by the international community, the mutiny was not supported by the uniformed forces, thus opening a period in which Bolivians could devote themselves to the urgent economic needs.

The nation is suffering the effects of the decline in oil exports and the fall in the price of gas, its main exportable commodity.

Bolivia has less foreign currency to buy fuel abroad, which is sold domestically at a subsidized price.

A ray of hope came when President Arce recently announced the discovery of a mega natural gas well.

In this context, Brazilian President Luis Inacio Lula Da Silva came to express his support for Bolivia's constitutional government and promised to look into increasing bilateral business. The gesture is significant because Brazil is the main market for Bolivian gas and has promoted Bolivia's accession to MERCOSUR, the Southern Cone Common Market, which could provide a respite for the Altiplano's economy. 

Bolivia, whose coffers are also affected by the adversities of global tensions, has plans, as President Arce emphasized, to face the current challenges and guarantee stability.

The return to economic prosperity, the elimination of coup threats and the rescue of the democratic process should be in the sights of all political actors.