The socialist Luis Arce blamed the opposition for the shortage of dollars.

President Luis Arce accused the opposition of generating the economic crisis that Bolivia is going through. During an event in Beni, the leader denounced that the right is executing a plan to hit Bolivians' pockets. Arce stated that the increase in the dollar and prices is a response to an electoral strategy.

According to the head of state, the intention is to wear down his administration before the August elections. The speech was given on the anniversary of the Departmental Workers' Central. Arce maintained that the economy faces problems "elaborated and premeditated" by his opponents.

He also pointed out that it is not about management errors but a deliberate sabotage. The president lamented that the Legislative Assembly is blocking bills that would alleviate the crisis. He recalled that the credit blockade directly affects the flow of foreign currency and assured that his government is working to face these attacks.

The dollar's exchange rate in the parallel market reached Bs 14.20 in La Paz, this value doubles the official rate set by the Central Bank of Bolivia. Additionally, the prices of basic basket products registered strong increases. Arce considered that this situation is the product of a political boycott and blamed the right for creating economic unrest to gain votes.

In his speech, Arce emphasized that his detractors' strategy is "permanently raising" prices to turn the population against the government to favor their return to power. He warned that behind this maneuver is the objective of restoring neoliberalism. According to Arce, the old economic model only caused poverty and unemployment, he called on the population not to be deceived.

The leader recalled the advances in public works despite economic difficulties. He listed projects such as roads, hospitals, schools, and housing delivered throughout the country.

He highlighted that, despite the boycott, industrialization is advancing in regions like Beni. He said that the opposition fears that the current development model will consolidate its achievements. For Arce, that is another reason for the economic attack.

Faced with the credit blockade, the government is seeking alternatives to finance projects, Arce announced Bolivia's foray into issuing environmental bonds. These mechanisms will allow capturing resources without indebting the country, he explained that it is about monetizing the reduction of carbon emissions. According to the president, this is an innovative and sovereign path.

Does the regime consider it will triumph in August?

The leader lamented that the "economic strangulation" also comes from dissident ruling party legislators. He harshly criticized the "traitors" who align with the right and stated that some deputies only seek personal benefits. He argued that these sectors forgot their commitment to the people and insisted on the need to renew the Assembly in August.

Arce insisted that two visions of the country are facing off in the upcoming elections. One, that of MAS, focused on industrialization and the defense of natural resources. Another, that of the opposition, based on a "made-up" neoliberalism that will bring poverty.

At another point, the leader again compared the current situation with that of Hernán Siles Suazo. He recalled how  in the eighties MNR and ADN sabotaged the economy from the Legislative, he assured that today that political blockade is being repeated. He lamented that lessons from the past have not been learned, in his view, history once again threatens the people's well-being.

At the event in Beni, Arce also greeted the workers' unity and delivered a vehicle to the Departmental Workers' Central. Additionally, he committed to building a residence for the region's workers. He emphasized that support for social organizations is key to resisting the boycott and invited workers to defend the process of change.

The president acknowledged the difficulties the population faces due to the crisis and asked for understanding in the face of the attacks his government suffers. He said that the economic problems are not natural but provoked. He assured that his administration is working hard to overcome them.

Regarding the Legislative Assembly, Arce said that in August the people must choose representatives who work for the country. He stated that those who now block credits seek to harm the people. He pointed out that  the renewal of the Legislative will allow unlocking important projects and promised that with a new majority the economy will be reactivated.

Finally, Arce warned that the right will spare no resources to damage his government. He said that his adversaries seek to divide and demoralize the population. However, he invited his bases to redouble efforts in the electoral campaign.