Vol. 72/No. 1 January 7, 2008
Bolivia: opposing marches around constitution |
Assocciated Press
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Tens of thousands of workers and peasants demonstrated December 15 in La Paz, Bolivias capital, in support of a new constitution proposed by President Evo Morales. A similar number mobilized that day in the four wealthiest provincesSanta Cruz, Tarija, Beni, and Pandoto oppose the constitution and call for their regions autonomy. Capitalist spokespeople in those provinces are calling for a referendum to establish regional decision-making power over natural gas royalties, land policy, and the police. The energy industries were nationalized in 2006. Capitalists and landlords also oppose the constitutions granting of autonomous rights to Bolivias indigenous majority. The four provinces are more white and mestizo than other regions. Morales placed the military on alert before the demonstrations. CINDY JAQUITH Front page (for this issue) | Home | Text-version home |