Impunity for Evo: Mariana Prado said that she demanded that from Andrónico Rodríguez

The candidate for the vice presidency for Alianza Popular, Mariana Prado, acknowledged that her participation on the ticket with Andrónico Rodríguez depended on a single condition. She stated that she would not agree to be part of any campaign directedagainst Evo Morales.

In a television interview, she revealed that this was her first demand when invited by the president of the Senate. "If it's against Evo, don't count on me", Prado declared. She added that she doesn't wish to become involved in MAS's internal conflicts.

Prado, former Minister of Planning under Morales, emphasized that the relationship with Evo was key in her decision. She considered that the campaign should maintain a neutral or favorable stance toward the former president.

She also stated that her continued participation depended on the political identity of the alliance. She said that she did not want to appear as a candidate for parties that did not share her socialist principles. She indicated that she even considered not running until she knew the acronym that would support them.

A surprising invitation 

The former chief of staff to García Linera revealed that the invitation took her by surprise. Rodríguez contacted her while she was in Buenos Aires. They had a phone conversation in which he explained the idea of forming a ticket.

According to Prado, she insisted that the political line had to be clear before any announcement. Only after agreeing that there would be no confrontation with Morales did she accept the offer.

Prado recalled that at the time of the invitation there was still no defined acronym. She said that she was not willing to lend herself to an improvised candidacy. Laughing, she assured that she was concerned about appearing as a candidate for ADN or another conservative force.

Her demand was to have ideological clarity and a like-minded political instrument. This concern was one of the two key elements for her acceptance.

Criticism for her statements

Prado's statements caused a wave of criticism from various sectors. The Vice Minister of Communication, Gabriela Alcón, replied that "no one is above the Constitution".

She questioned the prioritization of personal pacts over pending judicial processes. She pointed out that Evo Morales still has an arrest warrant that has not been executed for security reasons. She stated that there must be justice without privileges for anyone.

Senator Henry Montero accused Prado and Rodríguez of covering up Morales's crimes. He stated that what the candidate said implies that the victims will not have justice.

He criticized what he called submission to Evo within a new electoral formula. He said that this type of agreement reinforces impunity. He added that for this reason "the people must not vote for dictators".

Former prefect Manfred Reyes Villa also reacted harshly. He stated that this position only confirms that Rodríguez still answers to Morales. In his view, Evo continues to govern from the shadows.

He also stated that the country needs a new political cycle and no more subordination. He warned that a victory for Alianza Popular would mean more of the same.

Loyalty to the coca grower leader

Meanwhile, Branko Marinkovic recalled that both candidates come from "evismo." He stated that Rodríguez and Prado "were always with Evo" and therefore their loyalty is not surprising.

He considered that MAS's internal disputes should not confuse the electorate. For him, the entire bloc answers to the same leadership. "Let them sort it out among themselves", he concluded.

Analyst José Luis Santistevan went further in his analysis. He stated that what Prado said could be considered cover-up. He mentioned that there is a political and moral debt to Morales due to their shared past.

He argued that this explains the implicit protection promised in the campaign. For him, this type of pact only perpetuates corruption. He denounced that the same faces from the past continue to dominate the scene.

Prado's remarks also fuel the perception that Morales still influences national politics. Although Rodríguez tried to distance himself from "evismo," his ticket raises doubts. Many observe inconsistencies between his formal break and his real alliances.

Prado's continued presence in the ticket reinforces these suspicions. The discourse of change loses strength in the face of gestures of submission.

Admiration for the coca grower leader

In May, Prado had already expressed admiration for Morales. In an interview, she said that she still considered him her political boss. She stated that she keeps communication with her former heads of government.

This confession now becomes relevant in light of her new candidacy. Her closeness to the former president aligns with the condition she imposed on Rodríguez.

Last Sunday, against all odds, Prado was confirmed as a candidate. Many expected her to be replaced after the controversies.

However, Rodríguez decided to keep the duo. With this, he confirms that he supports the stance of not confronting the coca grower leader.

Prado's statements not only generate external criticism. They also intensify tensions within the ruling bloc. The 2025 electoral campaign could become a referendum on Evo.

So far, neither Rodríguez nor Prado have retracted their statements. They have also not offered clarifications regarding possible legal actions.

From the opposition, they insist that silence means consent. The controversy remains at the center of the political debate. The specter of Evo continues to influence all candidacies.