Bolivia: Agreement to strengthen regional autonomies hailed as positive step

Regional leaders and a government official in Bolivia have lauded a recent agreement aimed at bolstering departmental autonomies across the country. The pact, signed between President Rodrigo Paz Pereira and the nine governors, is seen as a significant step toward decentralizing power and empowering regions.

"This is something positive for the regions, and it will depend heavily on the fulfillment of the signed document," stated Saúl Aramayo, president of the College of Economists of Bolivia. He highlighted the agreement's provision for a 50/50 distribution of resources, a demand long sought by most governors. Aramayo added that the government must now transfer national competencies to the regions, which he believes will provide much-needed economic relief.

Vice Minister of Autonomies Adrián Oliva described the 50/50 reform as a transformative approach to governing Bolivia. He emphasized the need to reduce centralism and enhance regional capacity for decision-making and management. Oliva noted that the agreement outlines a technical path to achieve greater autonomy for governorships and municipalities, improve resource allocation criteria, and provide financial relief to spur development without current bureaucratic hurdles.

Rodrigo Fuenzalida, a deputy from the Alianza Unidad party, echoed the positive sentiment, calling the agreement an important stride for departmental autonomies. While acknowledging the lack of specific timelines for the technical working groups, Fuenzalida expressed hope due to the commitment shown. The agreement covers crucial areas such as autonomy, resource distribution, budgets, public-private partnerships, fiscal relief, and tax revenues.