Longaric challenges minister to prove $6.5 million spending accusation

Former Bolivian Foreign Minister Karen Longaric has dared current Foreign Minister Fernando Aramayo to provide documentary evidence that her administration squandered 45 million bolivianos (approximately $6.5 million USD) on forming a diplomatic corps that was subsequently dismissed. The accusation stems from a dispute that began with delays in ambassadorial appointments.

Longaric specifically requested that the Foreign Ministry release payrolls for personnel assigned to foreign service between November 2019 and November 2020, the period she led the ministry under the Jeanine Áñez government. This demand is a direct response to Aramayo's assertion that her transitional government prioritized appointing diplomats who were later let go after Luis Arce's administration assumed power.

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It is gentlemanly to substantiate the accusations made against other people. I hope Mr. Aramayo proves that in my administration, 45 million bolivianos were allegedly wasted.

Adding to the challenge, Longaric also asked Aramayo to identify any family members he claims were appointed to diplomatic posts. Aramayo had previously stated that new appointments should not benefit "friends, family, or nephews," though he did not name individuals linked to Longaric's tenure. Longaric countered that her children have lived and worked professionally in Germany for many years.

Longaric suggested Aramayo was resorting to tactics similar to those used by former foreign ministers from the ruling MAS party and characterized his insinuations of potential legal action as intimidation. She acknowledged dismissing about 90% of officials identified as MAS political operatives during her term but maintained that career diplomats from previous administrations were retained. She also stated that most new appointments were professionals trained within the Foreign Ministry.

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Tell me the names of my family members who allegedly held diplomatic posts. My children have lived in Germany for many years and have important professional positions.