Editorial: Power

Evo Morales did much to benefit his country during his 14 years in power.

He reduced poverty by two-thirds. He nearly doubled the minimum wage. He achieved an average growth rate of five percent. He reduced inequalities. He bolstered the position of aborigines.

A few years ago, international financial institutions described the country as a model for Latin America even though a hardcore socialist was in power.

The first aborigine to become president of Bolivia, however, was enamoured of power and decided to seek a fourth term, thus violating the constitution and the result of the 2016 referendum.

Last month, he declared himself the winner of an election marked by widespread ballot-tampering.

Meanwhile, the economic miracle had begun to fade. Revenues from the export of natural gas were dramatically reduced, and the fires set in the forests of the Amazon to satisfy China’s need for beef and soya was not strategically successful.

People took to the streets and some were killed or injured.

When the army withdrew its support, Morales knew that the end had come.

Consequently, former PM Alexis Tsipras’ tweet expressing solidarity “with Morales and the people of Bolivia” was at least simplistic, as the interests of the two no longer coincide.

Naturally, democracy must prevail but that presupposes fair and free elections and respect for the popular will.

The leader of SYRIZA cannot understand this. He was always an admirer of Castro and still supports Maduro. In general he is fond of perpetual leaders, but Latin America is changing.