Evo’s Message Has Major Repercussion in Bolivia

The message from President Evo Morales about bringing domestic fuel prices up to their level on the international market had a major repercussion within Bolivia.

Bolivia’s private and state press today covered the main issues addressed by the president, who reaffirmed it was necessary to adopt Supreme Decree 748 to be able to eliminate fuel smuggling and the flight of capital from the public funds.

Various press reports commented on the presidential announcement that the minimum wage would be increased by 20 percent, and the police, military, teachers, and health staff would also see 20 percent wage hikes.

The media also reported the government decision to reinvest resources formerly used to subsidize fuels to create a fund for promoting oil investments, and the purchase of agricultural products from national producers at prices higher than those on the international market.

Meanwhile, the Bolivia TV channel broadcast the people’s reaction to the statements by the president, who asked the population to be responsive to such a “difficult measure for Bolivian families, but necessary to protect the national economy, and improve wages and public investment,” he said.