International

Political parties in Bolivia ask the Legislature to suspend the primary elections

The political parties of Bolivia determined this Wednesday, after a meeting, to ask the Legislator to evaluate whether it is pertinent to hold the primary elections of presidential candidates for the 2025 elections, given the priority of the postponed judicial elections being held this year.

“The attendees unanimously ask the Plurinational Legislative Assembly to approve a law that suspends the primary elections for the 2024 administration,” says part of the “declaration for democracy,” which was signed by the majority of the representatives of political organizations.

The representatives of the opposition parties and the Executive endorsed the proposal of the Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE), with the exception of the former president and leader of the ruling Movement to Socialism (MAS) Evo Morales (2006-2019), who did not sign the joint statement and withdrew before the press conference.

The meeting was convened by the Electoral entity, and had the participation of representatives of 11 parties and two political alliances, as well as delegates from the Executive and Legislative to guide the route to the 2025 general elections in the Andean country.

On Tuesday, the TSE had already proposed that the primary elections for presidential candidates be suspended, arguing that the judicial elections, also planned, should not be contaminated with political issues.

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The judicial elections that were to be held in 2023 were suspended due to obstacles in the Legislature, and the magistrates extended their mandate, an action that generated controversy and discontent in various sectors of Bolivia.
The president of the TSE, Óscar Hassenteufel, added that the Electoral Body will be in charge of presenting a bill for the suspension of the primary elections.

In addition, they asked the Legislature to resume an analysis of the progressive implementation of the primaries “to promote internal democracy in political organizations.”

The Minister of the Presidency, María Nela Prada, representing the Government, said in her speech that it is important that the judicial elections be held. “We want judicial elections and real transformation of justice,” he said.

Prada pointed out that the holding of primary elections would not be relevant, taking into account that the previous ones, carried out in 2019, cost the Bolivian State 25 million Bolivians (3.6 million dollars) without giving the “expected results.”

The meeting was attended by the leaders of the two opposition political alliances, former President Carlos Mesa, of Comunidad Ciudadana (CC), and Zvonko Matković, on behalf of Creemos. Its main leader is the suspended governor of Santa Cruz, Luis Fernando Camacho, who is imprisoned.

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The presidents of the Chamber of Senators, Andrónico Rodríguez, and of the Chamber of Deputies, Israel Huaytari, also attended.

The other political leaders who signed the declaration for democracy are Jhonny Fernández, mayor of the eastern region of Santa Cruz and representative of UCS; Felix Patzi, of the Third System Movement, and Elizabeth Reyes, of National Unity.

The representatives of the Social Democratic Movement (MDS), the Revolutionary Nationalist Movement (MNR), the Bolivian National Action Party (Pan-Bol), the Nationalist Democratic Action (ADN) and the Christian Democratic Party.

The leaders and representatives of the political organizations reaffirmed their commitment and democratic rights for the holding of the presidential elections in 2025 on the established terms and deadlines.

In addition, it is a priority for those attending the meeting to hold the judicial elections, “in order to renew the judicial authorities within the constitutional and legal framework in force in the country.”

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The TSE committed to guaranteeing “the widest transparency in the consolidation and reliability of the biometric electoral register for the general elections.”

In addition, the Electoral Body will progressively implement a system of dissemination of preliminary results in future electoral processes.

Finally, they emphasized that the TSE must exercise its powers without the interference of another organ of the Bolivian State.

International

UK braces for potential CO₂ shortage amid Middle East tensions

The government of United Kingdom is preparing contingency measures amid fears of a potential shortage of carbon dioxide (CO₂), which could impact the agri-food industry if the Strait of Hormuz remains blocked due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, The Times reported on Thursday.

According to the newspaper, officials assessed this scenario during a recent crisis meeting aimed at evaluating the consequences of a prolonged conflict, triggered on February 28 by joint attacks from United States and Israel against Iran.

Under this scenario, CO₂ supplies—primarily a byproduct of fertilizer production using natural gas—could fall by up to 18%, affecting multiple sectors including agriculture and food production.

The gas is widely used in the slaughter of pigs and poultry, as well as in extending the shelf life of packaged foods. Breweries could also face disruptions due to reduced availability.

“I don’t want to comment on a leak, but now that the information is out there, I hope people feel reassured knowing we are working on it,” said Peter Kyle, Secretary of State for Business and Trade, in remarks to Sky News.

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While a drop in CO₂ supply is not expected to cause major shortages in supermarkets, it could limit product variety, The Times noted, citing access to internal government documents.

To mitigate the impact, authorities are considering prioritizing CO₂ supply for critical sectors such as healthcare and civil nuclear energy, where it is used in cooling systems for blood reserves, organs, vaccines, and electricity generation. The government may also request domestic producers to increase output.

Central America

El Salvador and Paraguay approve 2026–2028 cooperation program

The governments of El Salvador and Paraguay approved the 2026–2028 Cooperation Program, which includes six joint development projects, according to Salvadoran Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Adriana Mira.

Mira stated that El Salvador will act as the “main provider of cooperation,” contributing five initiatives focused on road infrastructure, tourism, and local development. She also noted that one of the projects will be led by the Paraguayan side, although no further details were disclosed.

The agreement was reached during the Second Meeting of the Joint Commission on Technical and Scientific Cooperation between both countries.

According to Paraguay’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the First Meeting of the Political Consultation and Bilateral Coordination Mechanism was also held, with the participation of Vice Minister Víctor Verdún.

In an official statement, the Paraguayan government reported that both delegations agreed to identify mechanisms to promote competitiveness, economic growth, and market access. They also committed to signing agreements related to air transport cooperation.

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International

Macron meets Machado, stresses need for democratic transition in Venezuela

Emmanuel Macron met on Monday at the Élysée Palace with Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado, where they discussed the importance of advancing a democratic transition in Venezuela.

In a message shared on social media, Macron highlighted Machado’s commitment to freedom and stressed the need to achieve a transition that is peaceful and respects the will of the Venezuelan people.

“I received María Corina Machado, Nobel Peace Prize laureate. Together, we discussed her commitment to freedom and the importance of achieving a democratic, peaceful transition in Venezuela that respects the will of its people,” he wrote.

For her part, Machado expressed her “deep gratitude” to Macron and to France for their support of democracy and freedom in Venezuela.

“We have gone through a long and painful journey, and we are now very close to freedom. Venezuela will become a nation of free and equal men and women—prosperous, safe, and united,” she said.