Pro Bolivia

Introduction

In a session organized by Presente Bolivia, a group of young analysts and citizens gathered to critically examine the crisis unfolding within the Movimiento al Socialismo (MAS). The extended conversation, shaped by diverse ideological positions, tackled the party's internal implosion, the limits of its extractivist economic model, and the dilemmas facing Bolivia's broader process of political transformation.

1. The Exhaustion of an Economic Cycle

One of the most recurring criticisms was the unsustainable reliance on gas rents. Several participants argued that MAS failed to prepare a productive transition when international commodity prices were favorable. Public funds were used for vanity projects, subsidies, and inefficient state companies instead of sustainable diversification.

"They didn't generate wealth. They only redistributed until the pie was gone."

2. A Broken Link Between Leadership and Grassroots

The roundtable identified a growing disconnect between MAS leadership and its grassroots base. The 21F referendum was seen as a breaking point, when the party ignored popular will. Calls for leadership renewal and rethinking the process of change were dismissed or silenced.

3. The Process of Change Beyond MAS

Some participants made a sharp distinction between MAS as a party and the broader process of change as a historical project for inclusion and sovereignty. For them, the party's weakening does not signal the end of this transformative agenda, which continues to live through grassroots demands for justice and representation.

"The process of change is shedding its skin. Andrónico is the son of the process; Evo was the father."

4. Ideological Clashes and the Economic Model

The debate became more intense when contrasting state-led economics with free-market approaches. Some defended the state's role in strategic sectors; others insisted that only individuals and markets can generate real wealth. The shortcomings of the community-based economic model were criticized, and participants emphasized the need to rethink value creation.

5. MAS, Trapped Between Past and Future

The power struggle between Evo Morales and Luis Arce emerged as a key factor of institutional paralysis. The inability to articulate a shared vision and the persistence of caudillo-style leadership have damaged the political instrument's credibility. Many concluded that MAS can no longer offer coherent solutions to Bolivia's current challenges.

6. A Critical Generation Emerges

Perhaps the most striking aspect of the roundtable was the depth of analysis offered by Bolivia's youth. Backed by data, theory, and philosophical debate, the participants demonstrated a genuine concern for institutional renewal, democratic legitimacy, and the possibility of building a new social contract from below.

Conclusion: A Breakdown That Signals a Beginning

The implosion of MAS appears to be just the symptom of a deeper transformation in Bolivia. While the party is trapped in internal conflict, the debate shows that a new generation is ready to rethink the foundations of statehood, economy, and political representation. The key question is no longer Evo or Andrónico, but what kind of country Bolivians want to build from the ground up.

🎧 Watch the full roundtable here:

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