Bolivian Court to Rule on Ex-Minister's Challenge to Censure

Bolivia's Constitutional Court is set to rule on Monday on a request for precautionary measures filed by former Economy Minister José Espinoza. Espinoza is challenging a censure motion passed against him by the Legislative Assembly on August 18, which he claims violated his fundamental rights.

Espinoza, who was absent during the session where he was to be questioned, filed a constitutional protection action against the president of the Legislative Assembly, Edmand Lara, and 165 senators and deputies. He argues that the censure was issued in his absence and outside the constitutional framework. Espinoza contends that a censure requires the presence of all 166 members of the Assembly, whereas the vote against him involved only 129 assembly members, with 91 voting in favor of his removal.

Meanwhile, legislators from the Libre party are calling on the Constitutional Court to uphold the Legislative Assembly's decision. They have warned of potential legal proceedings if the court sides with Espinoza and overturns the censure motion. The case highlights ongoing tensions between different branches of government and the interpretation of constitutional procedures in Bolivia.