Bribes for lithium: Lawmakers sought to expedite the approval of the contracts

A chaotic day shook the Chamber of Deputies during the debate over the lithium contracts. The session turned into a battlefield filled with shouting, aggression, and corruption allegations. Deputy María José Salazar accused colleagues of receiving payments for supporting the contract with the Chinese company CBC.

The president of the Chamber of Deputies, Omar Yujra, ignored requests for postponement and forced the debate to continue. The session was suspended indefinitely after a night of legislative scandal.

The incidents began with the presence of the Potosí Civic Committee in the chamber. Deputy Lissa Claros protested vehemently when Yujra ordered the removal of the civic members. From that moment, the tension escalated with insults, shoving, and objects being thrown.

The opposition demanded a roll-call vote to expose those who, according to them, were selling their conscience. The board opted for a secret ballot, which fueled the protests.

The session, which began on Thursday, continued until five o'clock in the morning on Friday. During the presentations, water and trash were even thrown at the Minister of Hydrocarbons, Alejandro Gallardo.

A heated session

Deputy Verónica Aguilera from Creemos covered her colleague Salazar's mouth with her hands. Both deputies engaged in a physical fight in the middle of the plenary. Shouting, aggression, and protest signs marked the day.

The contract under debate seeks to authorize Yacimientos de Litio Bolivianos to partner with CBC Investment Limited. The alliance aims to industrialize the lithium from the Salar de Uyuni in Potosí.

However, Potosí sectors reject the agreement due to a lack of consultation. They also allege that the contract benefits foreign interests. The "evistas" and the opposition agreed in requesting its postponement.

Deputy Héctor Arce presented a supposed audio in which the president's son would be involved. According to Arce, the file suggests influence peddling in the lithium negotiations.

He also attempted to take the podium, disobeying previous judicial restrictions. The board of the Chamber is considering legal action against him. Meanwhile, tempers remain high.

Assaults and corruption allegations

The scandal included at least six physical assaults, according to press reports. A deputy was caught sleeping during the lengthy session.

Minister Gallardo had a glass of water thrown at him when he tried to justify the contract. Security personnel prevented the entry of the Ombudsman's Office. This obstruction was denounced as a violation of transparency.

The opposition threw papers, flags, and shouted slogans such as "Potosí must be respected". The podium was protected with umbrellas and folders against the rain of objects.

A roll-call vote was requested to ensure transparency. The majority was ignored, and the ruling party proposed a secret ballot. That decision shattered what little calm remained.

Payments for approving the contracts

The "evistas" joined the rejection and accused Yujra of acting as an arm of the Executive. Deputy Claros denounced a "dark room" to manipulate the vote.

Briefcases and alleged vote buying caused suspicion. Even so, the ruling party denied any irregularity. The contract remains unapproved.

The Nor López community members also expressed their rejection of the agreement. They denounce the lack of prior consultation and the handing over of lithium to foreign powers.

They claim that their rights were ignored by the government. They were not allowed to enter the session, despite having requested a hearing. The Ombudsman's Office supported their complaint and requested that their participation be respected.

President Yujra suspended the session without condemning the incidents. He stated that the debate will resume when "conditions of respect" exist. The Legislative Assembly remains fractured among several factions.

This is not the first time the Lower House has been the scene of disgraceful acts. Assaults and bribery allegations erode the credibility of the legislature.

The Potosí population rejects the contracts

Deputy Salazar reaffirmed her allegation after the assault she suffered. She asserted that there are parliamentarians who "sell their vote for money". She called for an urgent investigation and the suspension of the contract with CBC.

Deputy Aguilera did not comment on the altercation. The conflict between the two reflects the general tension in the chamber.

The lithium contract has become a symbol of the national political struggle. The opposition demands transparency and respect for the rules. The ruling party seeks to move forward with the agreement despite the criticism.

Meanwhile, the Potosí population demands participation and real benefits. Uncertainty persists as Congress becomes a stage for personal disputes.

With 44 days left before the elections, the legislative crisis is deepening. The management of lithium will be a key issue in the campaign. Critical sectors warn of mobilizations if the contract is imposed.

The scandal over the lithium contract reveals deep flaws in the institutions. Parliament showed an inability to debate with dignity and respect. Bribery allegations demand clear answers and sanctions.