This article focuses on the recent development in Bolivia’s political scene where Jeanine Anez took the position as the 66th president, succeeding Evo Morales. This change in power emerged amidst a fiery crisis, leading to Morales fleeing the country. A noteworthy point is that Anez is only the second woman ever to hold this post in the nation. Her ascendancy to the interim leader has received backing from Bolivia’s Constitutional Court.
Controversy Surrounding Evo Morales
Evo Morales made history by becoming the first indigenous President of Bolivia when he assumed power back in 2006. His predecessors were primarily of European descent. Indigenous groups represent over two-thirds of Bolivia’s populace. The controversy broke out after his re-election, which incited protests that further escalated into rebellion, fueled by accusations of election rigging.
About Bolivia
Declared officially as the Plurinational State of Bolivia, Bolivia is a landlocked country positioned in western-central South America. Its capital city is Sucre, but the government and financial center are housed in La Paz. The year 2009 saw a significant constitutional change that altered the official name to “Plurinational State of Bolivia”, acknowledging the country’s multi-ethnic composition. Bolivia is affiliated with the Andean Community (CAN), a free-trade bloc.
Bolivia and International Trade Blocs
The Andean Community, or CAN, encompasses four countries – Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. CAN’s headquarters are located in Lima, Peru. The inception of regional integration in the Andean nations was marked by the signing of the Cartagena Agreement (by Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru) in 1969. This agreement established the Andean Pact, aimed at creating a Customs Union and a Common Market. However, Chile pulled out in 1976 citing economic discrepancies.
| Country | Year of Joining CAN |
|---|---|
| Bolivia | 1969 |
| Colombia | 1969 |
| Ecuador | 1969 |
| Peru | 1969 |
| Chile | 1969 (left in 1976) |
Mercosur and CAN’s Role in South American Integration
Besides CAN, Mercosur is another key trading block in South America. Mercosur was established in 1991 by the Treaty of Asunción which was later amended and updated by the 1994 Treaty of Ouro Preto. The full members of Mercosur are Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay, with Venezuela’s membership being suspended in 2016. A Framework Agreement for establishing a Free Trade Area between each other was signed by CAN and Mercosur in April 1998. Countries like CAN, Mercosur, and others such as Chile, have been instrumental in furthering the integration of all South America through the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR) based on the pattern of the European Union.
