Bolivia360: Marcelo Claure's project that brought together the presidential candidates

The Bolivian businessman Marcelo Claure inaugurated the Bolivia360 Day event at Harvard University on Friday. Several of the main presidential candidates attended the event. The initiative aims to gather proposals to structurally transform the country.

In his opening speech, Claure warned that Bolivia faces a crossroads with no time to lose. He assured that the country needs a “hope with direction,” built with facts and commitment.

The businessman proposed three urgent objectives: opposition unity, a credible economic plan, and clean elections. He emphasized that electoral fragmentation is the guarantee of a new defeat against MAS. Therefore, he committed to supporting the strongest opposition candidate with all his resources.

Claure called to put egos aside and think about the country. His proposal was backed by survey data showing that 70% of Bolivians support a single candidate.

Among the attendees were Samuel Doria Medina, Eva Copa, Manfred Reyes Villa, and Juan Pablo Velasco. They all traveled to Boston with expenses covered by the organization.

The mayor of El Alto requested leave to attend and emphasized that the invitation was from the Claure Group. Reyes Villa and José Luis Lupo were among the speakers. Analysts like Gonzalo Chávez also participated, discussing the country's macroeconomics.

A new vision for the country

During his presentation, Claure explained that Bolivia360 is a platform without partisan colors. “It has only one color: the color of the flag we all carry in our hearts,” he said. He pointed out that the purpose is for our children to grow up in a country that doesn't have to justify itself.

He also stated that it is not just another academic meeting, but the beginning of a national movement. He highlighted that the project is fueled by the experience of the Harvard Growth Lab.

Economically, Bolivia360 proposes structural reforms in key sectors. Lithium, mining, sustainable agribusiness, tourism, and digitalization are part of the plan.

Claure indicated that the current economic model is exhausted. He suggested reducing the fiscal deficit and ensuring the independence of the Central Bank. The goal is to recover the state's solvency and attract foreign investment.

Changes in health, education, and youth leadership are also proposed. Claure announced a political training institute and courses with Harvard. More than 2,400 Bolivian students are already participating in these initiatives.

The goal is to reach 20,000 young people in the coming years. Additionally, there is an aim to promote an investment fund for entrepreneurs.

In the political realm, Claure insisted on the need for clean elections. He proposed using transparent technology and international observers. Thousands of volunteers will be mobilized to prevent fraud like that of 2019.

According to the businessman, only then can citizen trust be restored. “We can't allow history to repeat itself,” he noted.

Among the international guests were former presidents Mauricio Macri and Iván Duque. Venezuelan María Corina Machado and economist Ricardo Hausmann also attended. Representatives from the IDB, IMF, and World Bank were present.

They all shared experiences on reforms and governance. The international presence adds weight to Claure's initiative.

The panels addressed topics such as energy, artificial intelligence, and sustainable development. Bolivia360 seeks to prepare a plan that can be implemented after the elections.

Claure explained that a deep diagnosis of the Bolivian economy is already underway. He anticipated that the first findings from the team led by Hausmann will be shared in July. The plan will be ready for the next government.

In his intervention, Claure recalled the success of the Club Bolívar academy. He said that project allowed Bolivia to reach the U-17 World Cup after 38 years.

“When given an opportunity, Bolivia responds,” he stated. This example, he argued, shows that the country has potential. It only lacks direction, unity, and a national project.

The businessman has been working on Bolivia360 for more than two years. His proposal intensified after the economic collapse of recent years.

According to the businessman, Bolivia can no longer spend more than it produces. He believes the only way out is a complete redesign of the economic model. He asserts that this work must begin right now.

Claure also lamented that the opposition hasn't achieved a single candidacy. However, he didn't lose optimism. He stated that Bolivia360 will continue to promote unity and ideas.

Finally, he noted that “this is not an event, it's the beginning of a movement.” He called on young people to take the lead and commit to the country. He concluded by saying: “Bolivia is not condemned, it's waiting.”