Social Movements Gather in Support of Evo Morales

Social movements in Bolivia convened in the city of Cochabamba to evaluate the current trajectory and policy objectives of the country’s ruling political party, following the outcome of the country’s national referendum last February.  

Bolivia’s ruling political party, the Movement Towards Socialism, or MAS, which is lead by the country’s first Indigenous President Evo Morales, organized the Saturday conference in efforts to develop a new strategy in the wake of February’s referendum defeat, which prevented Morales and his Vice President Alvaro Garcia from running for a third period in office.

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Bolivia’s Social Movements to Rally in Support of Evo Morales

Since their defeat, members have rallied behind their leader and thousands were in attendance at Saturday’s rally.

During his speech, Morales praised social movements for their role in facilitating many of the significant changes that have taken place over the last 10 years.

Meanwhile, Garcia emphasized the importance of unity between MAS officials and the representatives of social movements. 

“What other political proposals are there in Bolivia? What initiatives do the right-wing have to offer?” Linera asked his supporters. Adding that, “ It is only the social movements along with the government that can provide a viable solution and a way forward.”

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The MAS was formally integrated into the country’s political arena in 1999 when it entered the country’s municipal electoral race. 

Bolivia’s MAS party, is comprised of a web of grassroots organizations and popular social movements such as peasant communities, neighborhood associations, regional trade union, the miners’ union, and coca growers trade union federations. 

WATCH: Bolivians March in Support of President Morales