Bolivia seeks immediate expulsion of foreigners for alleged 'interference' in protests

La Paz, Bolivia – The Bolivian government is actively managing the expulsion of foreign nationals identified as participants in ongoing protests. These demonstrations, which are calling for the resignation of President Rodrigo Paz, are being framed by authorities as evidence of a deliberate effort to destabilize the nation's democracy through external interference.

Foreign Minister Fernando Aramayo stated that his ministry, in conjunction with the Ministry of Government, has confirmed that several "activists" entered Bolivia on tourist visas. Their subsequent actions, described as "interference in national politics," have prompted the government to initiate procedures for their immediate departure. Aramayo questioned the role of foreign officials in inciting the Bolivian population and exacerbating political polarization.

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This is the clearest proof that this is a process of destabilizing our democracy. What would a foreign official have to do inciting our population and wanting to further inflame a scenario of polarization?

The minister also criticized Bolivian labor unions for allowing "foreign actors" to participate in their assemblies and meetings. He questioned the intention behind providing a platform for these individuals to undermine Bolivia's sovereignty and internal affairs. Specifically, Aramayo referenced the participation of Argentine politician Sebastián Copello from the Workers' Party in a meeting of the Bolivian Workers' Central (COB), which rejected dialogue with the government. The Bolivian Foreign Ministry had previously rejected the presence of another Argentine leftist politician, Mercedes Trimarchi, who had spoken in support of the protesters.

The protests, led by peasant sectors, the COB, and supporters of former President Evo Morales, are demanding Paz's resignation. Road blockades have spread to seven of Bolivia's nine regions, causing shortages of fuel, food, and medicine.

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What is the intention of giving space and welcome to these foreign actors who are coming to harm our democracy? We talk so much about sovereignty and we are giving them a platform to come and harm our sovereignty and our internal politics.