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Bolivia History since 2000

  • The water fight

    The water fight
    The Banzer government had signed a contract to privatize the water supply to Cochabamba with the company Aguas del Tunari, the business consortium formed by the multinational Bechtel. Law 2029 granted the company a monopoly on the water resource, irrigation water, including the collection of rainwater, in addition the rates had suffered an increase of up to 50%
  • The end of the water fight

    The end of the water fight
    After several days of resistance, in which there were arrests and confinement of leaders, wounded people, a state of siege dictated on the 8th of that month, which people resisted, forcing the military and police to withdraw into their barracks.
    Given the strength and popular decision on April 11, 2000, the National Congress in an extraordinary session had to modify Law 2029, and the multinational Bechtel was expelled from the country. The mobilization achieved the deprivation of water.
  • The gas fight

    The gas fight
    The main conflict arises from the government decision of Gonzalo Sánchez de Lozada and Carlos Mesa to export natural gas through Chile. The main demands of the gas war were for the non-export of natural gas until there was a policy to supply the internal market, in the same way for the low prices at which it was intended to export gas, which were less than one dollar a thousand BTUs.
  • Period: to

    The Gas Fight

    Peasants begin blockades against the export of gas by Chile.
    Clashes after clashes between peasants and the military are taking place throughout the month, leaving several wounded and dead.
    Thousands of people join the protests.
    Starting the bloodiest story in the history of Bolivia
  • Conflicts in Bolivia

    Conflicts in Bolivia
    Coca growers join the protests but do not paralyze the road due to the strong military presence.
  • Clashes in Bolivia

    Clashes in Bolivia
    In El Alto, two people die and 16 are wounded in confrontations between the Police and the Army against Alternate citizens.
  • Decisions

    Decisions
    The Government, headed by Gonzalo Sánchez de Lozada, decrees that natural gas will not be sold abroad until a consultation with the population is carried out. But due to the deaths and indiscriminate repression the strike continues, this time asking for his resignation. The clashes leave 14 people dead and Vice President Carlos Mesa withdraws his support for the president and the Minister of Economic Development, Jorge Torres, resigns.
  • The presiden quit

    The presiden quit
    Sánchez de Lozada resign from the presidency and escapes to the United States, where he will receive political asylum. Carlos Mesa is sworn in as president of the nation.
  • Deads in clashes

    Deads in clashes
    New confrontations between the Police and the Army against citizens leave nearly 19 dead. It was the bloodiest day, known as the passage of the 'convoy of death'.
  • Former miner Picachuri blows himself up in the National Congress building

    Former miner Picachuri blows himself up in the National Congress building
    Eustaquio Picachuri a former miner affected by the change in the pension system, affecting his retirement. He entered the hall of the National Congress, where he demanded the return of his contributions, otherwise he threatened to detonate 8 dynamites that were attached to his body. Since he did not get results, after struggling with the police, he exploited himself where 2 policemen died along with him.
  • First Cabildo of the XXI century in Santa Cruz

    First Cabildo of the XXI century in Santa Cruz
    Under the "Cristo Redentor" in the city of Santa Cruz de la Sierra around one hundred thousand people. The call was in response to a call by the Pro Santa Cruz Committee, under the motto of "Autonomy and Work". 11 tasks of the department were raised in addition to the holding of a referendum by the departmental autonomies.
  • Carrying out the Gas Referendum and the new Hydrocarbons Law

    Carrying out the Gas Referendum and the new Hydrocarbons Law
    The referendum consisted of 5 questions: 1) annul the Sánchez de Lozada law; 2) recovery of hydrocarbons at the wellhead for the Bolivian state; 3) the re-foundation of YPFB; 4) the use of gas to obtain a sovereign exit to the Pacific; 5) gas exports, after internal consumption, industrialization and an increase in royalties of up to 50%. The SI had a resounding triumph, with which the state regained its leading role in the country's economic and energy policy.
  • The National Congress opens the trial of responsibility to Sánchez de Lozada

    The National Congress opens the trial of responsibility to Sánchez de Lozada
    The National Congress, with a vote of more than two thirds, began the trial of responsibilities against former President Gonzalo Sánchez de Lozada and his ministers, due to the events of October 2003.
  • The plane of Samuel Doria Medina falls

     The plane of Samuel Doria Medina falls
    Samuel Doria Medina along with other crew of the Cessna Grand Caravan plane, survived a plane crash, the plane rushed into the mountains of the town of Huaricollo, Oruro - Bolivia.
  • Promulgation of the new Hydrocarbons Law

    Promulgation of the new Hydrocarbons Law
    The President of the Bolivian Congress proceeded to promulgate the new Hydrocarbons Law reflecting the mandate of the referendum of July 18, 2004. Through this, the ownership of hydrocarbons at the wellhead for the state was recognized, the increase in royalties (50% average) and contract control and pricing.
  • Resignation of Carlos Mesa

    Resignation of Carlos Mesa
    President Mesa voluntarily resigned from office and asked that the president of the Supreme Court of Justice assume the Presidency of the State and asked for the resignation of the constitutional succession of the presidents of the Chamber of Senators and Deputies. The decision allowed Eduardo Rodríguez Veltzé to swear the presidency of the Republic.
  • A new president wins by a majority vote

     A new president wins by a majority vote
    Morales made history from the same day he won the elections that December 2005, when he obtained 53.7% of the vote and became the first president of democracy to achieve an absolute majority victory.
  • Nationalization of Bolivia's natural gas reserves

    Nationalization of Bolivia's natural gas reserves
    Precisely, on Labor Day 2006, he nationalized Bolivia's natural gas reserves and raised taxes on energy investors in order to leave the country's resources in Bolivian hands. Natural gas revenues increased eightfold in 2013 thanks to nationalization.
  • A new Constitution begins to be written

    A new Constitution begins to be written
    The Bolivian Constituent Assembly of 2006 was a constituent assembly that began on August 6, 2006 in Sucre, with the purpose of drafting a new constitution.
  • Paceño Council for Country Unity

    Paceño Council for Country Unity
    La Paz, El Alto and the La Paz provinces brought together the greatest Bolivian human tide around a regional demand and a message to the country.
    Among the decisions made, the department's support for the Constituent Assembly and the so-called "change process" were also ratified.
  • Approval of the Cruceño Autonomous Statute

    Approval of the Cruceño Autonomous Statute
    In the framework of the fight for departmental autonomies in our country. On December 15, 2007, in Santa Cruz, the Provisional Autonomous Assembly, in a public session at the Government House, approved in great detail the Statute of the Autonomous Department of Santa Cruz, to be subsequently submitted to the citizens Santa Cruz for approval through a referendum. The process was carried out outside the Constituent Assembly, and is not recognized by the Government in power.
  • Political crisis in Bolivia

    Political crisis in Bolivia
    The 2008 Political Crisis in Bolivia was a process of internal confrontations and acts of civil and political disobedience, which confronts two large sectors of the Bolivian population, identified by their cultural characteristics, which has jeopardized the stability of the constitutional government and the country's own territorial integrity
  • Intervention of the Union of South American Nations

     Intervention of the Union of South American Nations
    Faced with the escalation of the political-social conflict in Bolivia, the South American countries organized in the Union of South American Nations (Unasur), called for an urgent presidential summit
  • Evo Morales is re-elected

    Evo Morales is re-elected
    Evo Morales is reelected president with more than two thirds of legislative majority
  • Social conflicts

    Social conflicts
    Morales had to face strong opposition to Supreme Decree 748 issued on December 26, 2010.6 The measure, better known as "gasolinazo"
  • The end of the "gasoline stroke" restores calm to Bolivia

    The end of the "gasoline stroke" restores calm to Bolivia
    Bolivians woke up on Saturday to the New Year's hangover and a return to calm in the streets a day after President Evo Morales canceled the rise in the prices of the main fuels.
  • March for the Tipnis begins

    March for the Tipnis begins
    An indigenous march began from the Tipnis to the city of La Paz on foot.
  • The Tipnis arrives in La Paz

    The Tipnis arrives in La Paz
    The arrival in the city of La Paz would coincide with the first judicial elections in October 2011; however, the marchistas delayed their arrival in the city of La Paz so as not to interrupt the electoral process and to show that this movement had no political intention to block the government
  • The plane of Evo Morales is blocked

    The plane of Evo Morales is blocked
    According to Morales, his plane - the presidential aircraft - was prevented from entering the airspace of France and Portugal, due to the fact that he was thought to be carrying on board the former US intelligence agent Edward Snowden, wanted by his country for leaking confidential information.
  • The opposition recovers the Government of Beni

    The opposition recovers the Government of Beni
    Carmelo Lens became Governor of Beni after defeating Jessica Jordan, candidate for MAS in the first round. The opposition managed to meet in a single force and defeated the ruling party, which had deployed resources and efforts to win the departmental administration through the ballot box.
  • The launch of the Tupac Katari satellite

    The launch of the Tupac Katari satellite
    The Tupac Katari satellite was sent to space from China, the event was attended by President Evo Morales. The historic milestone has placed Bolivia among the countries that already have such a device to improve its communications system, while the opposition has questioned the true benefits that the satellite will bring. Others questioned the role that this instrument will have in the control of communications and surveillance services in Bolivia.
  • Bolivia reelects Evo Morales for a third term

    Bolivia reelects Evo Morales for a third term
    Evo Morales ha vuelto a ganar las elecciones bolivianas. Según los datos de las encuestas a pie de urna y el recuento rápido elaborados por los medios de comunicación bolivianos, el candidato del Movimiento al Socialismo (MAS) habría logrado entre el 59,5% y el 61% de los votos, lo que le serviría para revalidar los dos tercios en la Asamblea, cruciales para tener el control total en la toma de decisiones
  • Evo continues with his government

     Evo continues with his government
    Evo Morales assumes his third term as President of the Plurinational State of Bolivia.
  • Pope Francis visit to Bolivia

    Pope Francis visit to Bolivia
    Pope Francisco was received by President Evo Morales at the El Alto International Airport, near La Paz. In his post-arrival speech, the pope declared: "Bolivia is taking important steps towards the inclusion of broad sectors in the economic, social and political life of the country. Its constitution recognizes the rights of people, minorities and the environment , and provides institutions with means to promote them. "
  • Referendum

    Referendum
    A referendum is held that consults the population if they agree to change article 168 of the Political Constitution of the State, which establishes that there can only be a single presidential reelection.
  • Evo Morales "recognizes his defeat"

    Evo Morales "recognizes his defeat"
    Evo Morales, at a press conference at the Government Palace in La Paz, acknowledges the defeat in the referendum and promises to respect the results of the consultation.
  • Eartquake in Chuquisaca

    Eartquake in Chuquisaca
    A 6.5 earthquake on the Richter scale with an epicenter in Chuquisaca shakes southeast Bolivia
  • 21F

    21F
    The citizen platforms celebrate the first anniversary of the defeat of the No. At this time, the movements are taken over by citizens without any kind of political sympathy and achieve massive mobilizations throughout the country. In counterpart, the oficialismo baptizes the day as 'The day of the lie', arguing that it was the Zapata case that was responsible for the defeat on 21F.
  • Bolivian corridor makes itself heard

    Bolivian runner Leonardo Martínez generates repercussions at the national and international level by publicly asking President Evo Morales, who witnessed the arrival in La Paz of the pilots participating in the Dakar, to respect the results of the referendum on February 21, 2018.
  • Civic stoppage against Evo

    Civic stoppage against Evo
    Civic strike in Santa Cruz. In addition to the protests against the rename of Evo Morales, another request is added: the repeal of the new Penal Code. Santa Cruz calls for the extreme measure after 10 years and completely paralyzes the capital city and its provinces.
  • Second anniversary of the victory of the No to the rename

    Second anniversary of the victory of the No to the rename
    Second anniversary of the victory of the No to the rename. Once again there was a massive citizen mobilization in various parts of the country, but the polarization was increasingly evident. A civic strike was carried out in various departments.
  • Evo Morales "enabled" for elections

    Evo Morales "enabled" for elections
    President Evo Morales and Vice President Álvaro García Linera are empowered to participate as candidates for the Movement Towards Socialism (MAS) in the primary elections of January 2019. A surprising announcement since it was made four days in advance of the term that the members had.
  • Primary elections are held for the first time to choose binomials

    Primary elections are held for the first time to choose binomials
    The primary elections are held for the first time to choose binomials. While the ruling party calls to vote in the process, the opposition candidates decide not to attend to vote. Finally, the MAS stumbles upon achieving less than the participation it expected, less than 50% of its militants attended the polls.
  • Third anniversary of 21 F

    Third anniversary of 21 F
    The climate is highly politicized since the political campaigns for the October elections have already started in various opposition parties. The platforms still hold out hope that a pronouncement by international justice against the re-nomination of Evo Morales, something that the government has completely ruled out.
  • Protests in Bolivia

    Protests in Bolivia
    La crisis política después de 21 días de protestas civiles contra el gobierno del presidente Evo Morales, quien cometió un fraude electoral en las elecciones generales de octubre de ese año. Quien se habilitó por un fallo favorable del Tribunal Supremo, en contra de lo decidido por la mayoría de la población en un referéndum constitucional.
  • Evo Morales resigns

    Evo Morales resigns
    Evo Morales confirmed that he is leaving Bolivia for Mexico, a country that granted him political asylum.
  • Jeanine Áñez assumes the Presidency of Bolivia

    Jeanine Áñez assumes the Presidency of Bolivia
    After the resignation of President Evo Morales, Vice President Álvaro García, President of the Senate, Adriana Salvatierra, Senator Rubén Medinaceli and President of the Chamber of Deputies, Víctor Borda, Áñez, he remained within the successor line can assume the mandate of the State.
  • Coronavirus in Bolivia

    Coronavirus in Bolivia
    The first two cases of coronavirus are detected in Bolivia, 2 women, one in Santa Cruz and Oruro
  • Bolivia reports 1,129 new COVID-19 infections and 61 deaths

    Bolivia reports 1,129 new COVID-19 infections and 61 deaths
    El Ministerio de Salud reportó hoy 1.129 contagios nuevos de COVID-19 en Bolivia, lo que subió a 44.113 el número acumulado de casos, mientras que los decesos registrados en las últimas horas son 61, haciendo un total de 1.638 fallecidos por coronavirus.