Manfred Reyes Villa Made a Pact With Rómulo Calvo, a Questioned Former Civic Leader From Santa Cruz

The national head of APB-Súmate, Manfred Reyes Villa, appointed the former civic leader from Santa Cruz, Rómulo Calvo, as departmental delegate in Santa Cruz. The objective of this decision is to gain support and presence in the region ahead of the general elections.

The decision has caused reactions in the political scene of Santa Cruz. This is because one of Reyes Villa's advisors had stated a few months ago that people from Santa Cruz are only good for occupying a ministry.

In the official appointment document, signed by the mayor of Cochabamba, Calvo's trajectory as a civic leader is highlighted. It also states that his incorporation will contribute to the recovery of democracy, justice, and the economy in the country.

The deputy of Comunidad Ciudadana, Alejandro Reyes, celebrated the decision. He also stated that the appointment is part of a pre-campaign strategy to consolidate support in Santa Cruz. According to the legislator, in this electoral process, alliances and approaches with figures of regional relevance are key.

Calvo, who was president of the Pro Santa Cruz Committee in the 2021-2023 term, has led various mobilizations in defense of the interests of Santa Cruz. In the past, he has expressed his intention to support a candidacy that prioritizes the demands of his region. But that contradicts the position of his new boss (Reyes Villa), who has not missed any opportunity to applaud Arce's disastrous administration.

In February of this year, Calvo declared that he would be willing to join Reyes Villa as a vice-presidential candidate, provided that the attention to the demands of Santa Cruz is guaranteed. Among his demands are the repeal of regulations that allow burnings and land seizures, as well as the exploitation of Mutún for the benefit of the region.

Calvo's statements have been interpreted as a sign of consolidation of his alliance with Reyes Villa. The former civic leader has emphasized the need for unity in the opposition to avoid divisions that could favor the Movimiento Al Socialismo (MAS) in the elections.

Is Calvo a traitor?

On the other hand, Calvo's appointment has also caused criticism. Some sectors consider that his management in the Pro Santa Cruz Committee was marked by controversial decisions. For example, the suspension of the 2022 civic strike, which led to protests and attacks on his home.

At that time, Calvo justified the decision to lift the indefinite strike by arguing that the objective of pressuring for a census law had been achieved. However, radical sectors accused him of betrayal and vandalized his home.

Despite the criticism, the now departmental delegate has reiterated his commitment to the fight for the interests of Santa Cruz. He has stated that his role in APB-Súmate will allow him to work on the articulation of proposals that address regional demands.

In the framework of his new role, Calvo will have to coordinate with different sectors and groups with which political alliances have been established. He is expected to play a key role in the party's electoral strategy.

This approach by Reyes Villa with politicians from Santa Cruz has been happening for some time. In January of this year, groups affiliated with MAS organized a proclamation event for Manfred in Cochabamba. The activity was attended by some councilors from the Santa Cruz municipality: Juan Carlos Medrano and Silvana Mucarzel.

Both authorities present themselves as clear opponents of Jhonny Fernández's disastrous administration. But the approach with Reyes Villa only indicates that they actually share the same political practices.

Calvo's appointment could strengthen Reyes Villa's position in Santa Cruz, a historical bastion of opposition to MAS. However, the challenge will be to consolidate solid support in a polarized political scenario.

Calvo's incorporation into APB-Súmate marks a new chapter in Reyes Villa's electoral career. The evident rejection of this alliance by the population of Santa Cruz highlights that to gain support in this region, it is not enough to surround oneself with some local politicians. Reyes Villa has already shown his sinister affinity with the regime.