Elections: Rodrigo Paz indicated that he's willing to support Andrónico Rodríguez

Senator Rodrigo Paz recently surprised by suggesting that he might support Andrónico Rodríguez in the upcoming elections. The condition, he explained, is that the president of the Senate shows a broader vision of the country. Paz emphasized that Rodríguez must stop viewing Bolivia solely from the Chapare perspective.

He assured that if there is a change in mindset, he would have no problem supporting him. "Why not vote for him if he changes?" he expressed. Paz did not hide his critical stance toward the officialism, but he also made it clear that he doesn't close the door to possible agreements.

He indicated that the important thing is to build a national vision without sectarianism. According to his words, the country needs leaders who represent all Bolivians. This openness caused comments both in favor and against.

Additionally, the senator revealed a curious fact about his identity during the same conversation. He indicated that his middle name is Atahualpa, although he no longer uses it in his public functions. "My full name was Rodrigo Atahualpa Paz Pereira," he said.

Regarding the Movement for Socialism, Paz assured that it has more than one figure to renew its leadership and mentioned former senator Adriana Salvatierra as a viable alternative. He pointed out that if they really want to show renewal, they must consider more actors. "It's not the only bottle of water in the desert," he said in reference to Andrónico and highlighted Salvatierra.

In recent days, Evo Morales announced the creation of a new party called Evo Pueblo. Rodríguez did not attend the Chapare congress and was harshly criticized for it, with Evo supporters accusing him of betraying the coca leader. The internal tension became evident.

In response, Andrónico used his social media to defend himself against the accusations and questioned Morales's decisions, asking the people to judge who has failed. He recalled past mistakes and current consequences. He also stated that he is a victim of persecution from both the right and former colleagues, denouncing a smear campaign against him.

In this regard, Eva Copa opened the doors of Morena to Andrónico Rodríguez. The mayor of El Alto indicated that her party doesn't accept impositions and stated that she is willing to welcome people like Rodríguez. She warned, however, that they will not beg anyone because the decision is in Rodríguez's hands.

Does Paz reject the false opposition?

Rodrigo Paz also referred to the opposition bloc and was critical of its performance. He indicated that they have not managed to build a victorious project against MAS. Without mentioning names, he pointed to Tuto Quiroga and Samuel Doria Medina as examples of stagnation.

He also said that they have been in politics for years without effective results. According to him, Bolivia needs a new generation of leaders. Regarding his own candidacy, he emphasized that he doesn't plan to withdraw and stated that he is part of a long-term national project.

He also criticized the use of polls to define candidacies, denouncing that some cost up to 150,000 dollars. He pointed out that he doesn't have the resources to compete with that logic. The senator proposed holding three debates among opposition pre-candidates.

He believes that these spaces will strengthen democracy and allow real proposals to be shown to the public. He stressed that the problem is not just MAS, the challenge is to present a serious alternative.

Additionally, he questioned the government's economic management and the role of the Central Bank, denouncing that in 2024 more than 4 billion dollars were given to the Executive. He stated that the country doesn't have dollars for the people, but it does for the state apparatus. According to him, money is spent on inefficient public companies, proposing a more sustainable and transparent model.

Paz believes that the state must serve the people, criticizing what he called the "blockade state," which hinders development. He called for a structural change that overcomes the dependence on electoral cycles. He said that his proposal seeks a country with a clear direction, which is why he bets on new leaderships.

Paz's openness toward figures from MAS doesn't imply an automatic alliance. He made it clear that his support for Rodríguez is conditioned on a change in the Senate president's stance.

The parliamentarian indicated that he wants to see an Andrónico detached from the hardline of Chapare. Only then could he consider him as an option. The condition is a broader country project.

In summary, Rodrigo Paz is willing to engage in dialogue even with questioned figures from the officialism. He demands renewal, a national vision, and a break with old practices. In his speech, the country needs proposals, not just candidacies.