Tuto a Oviedo “Hay politiqueros no dan respuesta a la población y me culpan para desviar la atención

Tuto responds to Oviedo: “There are politicians who don't answer the people's questions and blame me to divert attention; with Evo, it's just a matter of imprisoning him and extraditing him.” Former President Jorge “Tuto” Quiroga responded to statements by Minister Marco Antonio Oviedo, in which he invited him, along with former President Evo Morales and Vice President Edmand Lara, to form a coalition. Quiroga also launched harsh criticism of the government's handling of the conflict, the alleged drug trafficking case linked to timber shipments, and the lack of action regarding the blockades. In a lengthy press conference, he insisted that the Executive Branch must “assume its responsibility,” stop looking for external scapegoats, and “tell the people the truth.” SOLIDARITY WITH THOSE AFFECTED AND CRITICISM OF THE AUTHORITIES Tuto began by pointing out that there is a crisis that is primarily affecting the most vulnerable population. He mentioned that there are informal workers who cannot work, affected transporters, and families facing shortages. “And those who suffer the most are the poorest. That is the consequence of these blockades,” he stated. He also questioned the government's tendency to blame political actors instead of providing answers. “I apologize to the people because when you turn on the television, listen to the radio, or look at social media, you see inept politicians who, lacking answers for the distressed and helpless people, resort to insults, denigration, lies, and distortions. Some authorities who fail to provide answers to the people say: 'We have to go out and insult and attack Tuto Quiroga.'” NARCOMADERAS CASE: “WHAT STAINS BOLIVIA IS THIS SEQUENCE OF DRUG TRAFFICKING” One of the central points of his remarks was the case of the drug shipment found hidden in wood and discovered in Chile. “The government is saying that those of us who are condemning this disgusting act are denigrating the country. No. What stains Bolivia, what defiles the nation, is seeing this sequence of drug trafficking that is doing us so much harm.” He recalled other previous incidents and maintained that there is an accumulation of cases without conclusive results. “We’ve seen 32 suitcases full of drugs, we saw the drug-laden Hercules, we saw the safes of the drug trafficker Marcet, and now this scandal involving 108 tons.” He added that “those who tarnish Bolivia are the corrupt, the accomplices who allow this to happen time and time again,” and questioned why the investigations don’t reach “those who are the ringleaders.” He even asserted that the country risks changing its profile in the illicit business. “For decades we have produced cocaine base and cocaine; now we are becoming a narco-free zone, where timber is given added value through an operation of colossal proportions.” STATE OF EMERGENCY AND GOVERNMENT RESPONSIBILITY Regarding the debate on the state of emergency, Tuto rejected the Executive's attempt to shift blame onto third parties. “I am deeply disappointed that the president is breaking his word,” he stated. He maintained that the government itself requested legislative support for various measures and is now trying to evade responsibility. “Don't go around lying and saying it's someone else's doing. Take responsibility, govern with clarity.” He also emphasized that “a state of siege or state of emergency is an operation, not a decree,” and asserted that institutional coordination is required before implementing such a measure. Harsh Criticism of Evo Morales and Rejection of a Commission Tuto also targeted Evo Morales and questioned the government's proposal to summon him to forums related to investigations. "Why are they so afraid of him?" he asked. Then he delivered one of the strongest statements of his press conference: "The president sent the minister to invite me, along with Evo Morales, to be part of a drug trafficking investigation commission. Who else? The head of the PCC?" He added: "On the issue of drug trafficking, I have only one thing to do with Evo Morales: I'll arrest him and extradite him." He also interpreted the former president's actions as seeking legal guarantees. "He's saying the same thing as other leaders: give me impunity, drop the charges against me." BLOCKADES, UNBLOCKING, AND A FINAL APPEAL In the final part of his speech, he maintained that the government continues to postpone decisions and leave the unblocking process to isolated operations. "It's clear that this government is betting on a return to normalcy," he stated. He also criticized the lack of visible support for the officers who participated in the operations. "They were defeated in San Julián, and they haven't even had the decency to visit their wounded police officers." Finally, he concluded with a message directed at the Executive branch: "Take responsibility, don't embarrass us with drug trafficking, and tell the people the truth. Govern, give Bolivia back its roads, nor...