Andrónico Rodríguez negotiated lithium with Claure's partner, according to Evo Morales.

Former dictator Evo Morales reported that Andrónico Rodríguez held a meeting with Marcos Bulgheroni in Santa Cruz. According to the coca growers' leader, the purpose of the meeting was to negotiate Bolivian lithium with private interests.

Bulgheroni is an Argentine businessman linked to the Claure Group, with investments in energy and lithium in the region. Morales criticized Rodríguez for publicly stating that he would defend natural resources. He claimed that Rodríguez actually has other hidden intentions.

During an event in the tropics of Cochabamba, Morales revealed details of the alleged meeting. He stated that Bulgheroni and Rodríguez had dinner together in Santa Cruz. He said that this fact confirms a coordinated strategy between Claure and his circle.

In his view, Claure is promoting Rodríguez as a presidential candidate. He also questioned the validity of the polls that place him as the favorite.

The coca growers' leader publicly asked what a Claure representative is doing involved in lithium matters. He added that the alleged meeting is fully confirmed.  "They're negotiating under the table," Morales said to his supporters.

He also accused the press of covering up these approaches. He insisted that Rodríguez's environmental discourse is false.

Morales's version is supported

The statements caused a strong political stir. From the Súmate group, Ernesto Giraldes said that Morales confirms Claure's support for Rodríguez. He added that behind both is the interest in taking over lithium.

According to Giraldes, the same business model that Morales promoted in his government is being repeated. He claimed that lithium is being negotiated behind the country's back.

The Androniquista leader Darwin Choquerive replied to the accusations. He regretted that Morales attacks a fellow member from the tropics of Cochabamba.

He also recalled that Rodríguez was his vice president in that region. He said the statements are unfounded and harmful. He demanded that Morales present concrete evidence.

Choquerive stated that Rodríguez keeps a transparent agenda. He pointed out that the meetings he holds are with social sectors. He assured that there are no secret deals in his campaign.

He then rejected any link with foreign businessmen. He defended the candidate's commitment to the country's strategic resources.

Claure reportedly negotiated with more than one candidate

Morales also linked Claure to Samuel Doria Medina. He recalled that Bulgheroni met with Doria Medina two weeks ago.

The Unidad candidate acknowledged that meeting to the media. He said they discussed the economy and attracting investments. He admitted that Claure supports his candidacy.

Doria Medina stated that Bolivia needs more private investment. He considered it legitimate for businessmen to be interested in his proposal. He explained that Bulgheroni asked to meet with him to learn about his government plan.

According to the politician, the meeting was open and without commitments. Regional authorities also participated.

According to international reports, Bulgheroni leads Pan American Energy Group. This company develops energy projects in Argentina.

In recent years, he has entered the lithium sector in Jujuy. At the beginning of the year, he partnered with the Claure Group. His presence in Bolivia raises suspicions due to the strategic value of lithium.

Morales believes that behind these meetings there is an attempt to influence the elections. He keeps that lithium is being used as a bargaining chip to position candidates. He warned about a new form of business interference.

He also criticized media outlets that do not investigate these connections. He reiterated that the people are being deceived.

A new setback for Rodríguez

 

From Popular Alliance, the meeting was neither denied nor confirmed. The Androniquista campaign strategy focused on downplaying the issue.

Choquerive reiterated that the candidate's visits are public and planned. He accused Morales of dividing the left. He called for unity in the face of the right-wing threat.

The controversy adds to other clashes between Morales and Rodríguez. Both come from MAS and led the tropics of Cochabamba.

However, their relationship has deteriorated in recent months. Rodríguez has emerged as an electoral alternative after the pedophile's disqualification. Morales considers him a candidate who serves business interests.

The future of lithium has become a sensitive issue in the electoral agenda. All candidates claim to want to defend it.

However, alliances with foreign capital raise doubts. The lack of transparency worsens the climate of distrust. Morales's accusation could mark a new chapter in the MAS internal conflict.