Cheap Power, Low Wages | Energía Barata, Salarios Bajos

By ElPais.bo: “Borrowed Light: Bolivia’s Energy Crossroads,” Part 2 Cheap Energy, Low Wages: The Hidden Cost of Electricity Subsidies While Bolivia maintains the lowest electricity rates in South America, average wages are up to three times lower than in Chile or Uruguay. Energy subsidies do not reduce poverty: they reproduce it by concealing the real…

Protecting the Narcos | Protegiendo a los Narcos

By Carlos Corz, Vision 360: In Chapare, roadblocks set up to prevent transfer of seized drugs and detainees; Vice Minister Justiniano sees “protection for crime” Two police officers were injured. Drug-processing facilities were destroyed, and vehicles along with a considerable quantity of controlled substances were seized. One of the drug factories raided during Operation Chameleon….

Another Reform Defeated? | ¿Otra reforma derrotada?

Editorial Pensamientos Bolivianos: La Ley 1720 y el retorno del chantaje político en Bolivia La controversia alrededor de la Ley 1720 está dejando al descubierto uno de los problemas más profundos de Bolivia: la enorme dificultad para impulsar reformas económicas incluso cuando buscan beneficiar a pequeños productores rurales que necesitan salir de la pobreza. La…

Rodrigo Paz approval falls | Caída de aprobación de Rodrigo Paz

By Aldo Aguilera, El Dia: Rodrigo Paz approval drops 13 points in six months and 56% believe the country is heading in the wrong direction Ipsos Ciesmori confirms a deterioration over six months, with rising disapproval and falling support. El Alto becomes the most critical focus for the president, with rejection exceeding citizen support. Approval…

Bolivia Is Not Held Back by a Lack of Work, but by a System That Lives Off Disorder | Bolivia no está frenada por falta de trabajo, sino por un sistema que vive del desorden

Editorial Pensamientos Bolivianos: Hay una escena demasiado común en Bolivia: un ciudadano entra a una oficina pública para resolver un trámite sencillo y termina atrapado entre sellos, formularios, fotocopias, observaciones, filas y ventanillas. Lo mandan a otra institución, luego a otra, luego a volver mañana. Cuando finalmente cree haber reunido todo, descubre que falta un…