In a context of economic crisis and political conflict, Bolivians are aimed at choosing who their next president will be in the August general elections. Given this scenario, the Archbishop of Santa Cruz, Mons. René Cesarí, urged to listen and analyze the proposals in pursuit of a better future for the country.
The political landscape in Bolivia less than a month from the elections, which are held on August 17, is complex. With the movement to socialism (more) divided, President Luis Arce and former President Evo Morales faced, and the latter prevented from presenting himself as a candidate, the social climate is marked by the conflict, blockages and clashes, which a few weeks ago caused two deaths.
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The economic scenario also has complications, with a shortage of fuel, lack of foreign exchange, the greatest inflation in four decades and a strong rise in food prices.
Days ago, and given the proximity of the elections in which the most could lose the government after almost 20 years, President Arce summoned the left to form a single block, an invitation that was rejected by Evo Morales.
Faced with this reality, Bolivian citizens must choose their next president and vice president for the 2025-2030 period, as well as 130 members of the Chamber of Deputies, and 36 members of the Senate.
If no presidential candidate reaches the absolute majority (more than 50%), or at least 40% with 10 points of difference over the second, a second round will be held on October 19 or 20, 2025.
Within that framework, the Archbishop of Santa Cruz, Mons. René Cesarí, dedicated his Sunday homily to reflect on the importance of listening and analyzing the proposals for the future of Bolivia.
“Listen to what proposal they do (…) so that they do not arrive at the time of the elections without knowing what to do,” said the prelate, calling to take responsibility for civic duty.
While inspired by the readings, he valued the ability to be hospitable and seek the good of others, the archbishop focused on the moment the country lives and focused on the need to pay attention to the debates and forums in which the candidates participate.
“I invite you to take that into account. Analyze, see, listen and in the end decide,” he urged, remembering that the vote must be an informed decision, not impulsive or selfless.
“I don’t know if politicians have already said how much they will support health (…) Every day we see hospitals in block, closing for lack of support,” warned the prelate, also mentioning the educational situation and lack of opportunities for young people.
“We don’t stay with that ‘I don’t want to look more,” he recommended. “How are you going to see what I am telling you, to evaluate and decide at the end?” “Let’s not be indifferent to all this,” he said.
In that sense, he encouraged to participate in the dialogue spaces that are generated with the candidates: “You also have the word, because in the end you are the ones who will put them where you want to be,” he summarized.
“What future do we want? What future do you want for your children?” Mons.
Finally, he asked the Virgen del Carmen to intercession so that “we can have better days.”
Julieta Villar
I am a journalist, a graduate in Communication from the National University of La Matanza in Argentina. I have work experience in non -governmental organizations. Since 2016 I dedicate myself to Catholic journalism, first in the Argentine Catholic Information Agency (AICA) and, since 2022, as a correspondent for ACI Press for Argentina, Chile, Uruguay and Bolivia.