Luis Arce acknowledged that Masismo squandered the economic boom from hydrocarbons.

The MAS president, Luis Arce, directly blamed Evo Morales for the economic crisis the country is going through. In a recent speech, the president stated that the drop in gas production and the lack of exploration in the sector are the main causes of the financial decline.

His statements have caused strong controversy both inside and outside the government. Meanwhile, the crisis deepens with the shortage of dollars and fuels affecting the population.

Arce stated that, upon assuming the Presidency in 2020, he found a hydrocarbon sector in crisis. According to him, during Evo Morales's fourteen years in office, there were not enough explorations to sustain gas production. The president insisted that the nationalization was not well managed and that resources were consumed without foreseeing the future.

His criticisms have been interpreted as an attempt to distance himself from his predecessor and political mentor. Arce's argument has been harshly questioned by analysts and political sectors. Financial consultant Jaime Dunn pointed out that the current president was the architect of the existing economic model.

Dunn explained that the lack of foresight and economic diversification occurred under his direct management as Minister of Economy. For Dunn, Arce can't shirk responsibility because he was a key player in the country's economic decisions.

The governor of Santa Cruz, Luis Fernando Camacho, also criticized the president's stance. He recalled that Arce managed large amounts of resources when he was Minister of Economy during the 14 years.

In this regard, he also questioned where the funds from the international reserves and gold are. For Camacho, the president is only looking for excuses instead of offering solutions for the country in the face of the crisis.

On the other hand, Evo Morales did not take long to respond to the accusations of his former Minister of Economy. The coca leader accused Arce of acting as a representative of the right. He hypocritically claimed that his administration implemented projects to replace hydrocarbon revenues.

Did Arce have no idea what was being done with the money?

The civic groups of Santa Cruz also joined the criticisms against the president. Stello Cochamanidis, from the Pro Santa Cruz Committee, compared Arce to Pilate for trying to wash his hands. He pointed out that as Minister of Economy, the now president had power over the management of the State's resources.

The civic groups reaffirmed their mobilizations against the economic crisis and the fuel shortage. The economic context continues to deteriorate with worrying figures, inflation closed 2024 at almost 10%, the highest since 2008. So far in 2025, the figure has already reached half of the annual target set by the Government.

The lack of dollars has led to the proliferation of a parallel currency market. The dollar is traded in these spaces at almost double the official exchange rate.

The energy crisis also hits the country hard. Since November, agricultural producers have reported difficulties accessing fuel. The Association of Oilseed and Wheat Producers (ANAPO) warned that the situation could affect food production.

The gasoline shortage has caused long lines at gas stations in various cities. The Government has proposed inefficient measures to address the crisis, such as teleworking and reducing fuel consumption. It also called for a meeting with presidential candidates, urging Congress to approve loans of more than 1.6 billion dollars.

However, protests continue in several regions of the country, transporters and farmers have taken to the streets to demand immediate solutions. Economic uncertainty is increasing, and Arce's popularity continues to decline. Social discontent threatens to further complicate his Government in the coming months.

The crisis has also caused tensions within the MAS, with sectors aligned with Morales questioning Arce's accusations and calling for changes in his cabinet. The internal division in the government becomes more evident with each cross-declaration. But it is impossible for Arce to evade responsibility for the current crisis, as he was the architect of the model that is now collapsing for 14 years.

As Minister of Economy, he managed the State's resources. He was the one who approved budgets and supervised the distribution of oil revenues without foreseeing the depletion of hydrocarbons. Now, he tries to distance himself by pointing out that he was not the Minister of Hydrocarbons, but that excuse doesn't withstand the slightest analysis.