A Conversation with Luis Fernando Camacho

On November 10, Bolivian president Evo Morales resigned, sparking considerable controversy and debate in the bitterly polarized country. While some argue Morales was ousted by a military coup, others maintain that a popular revolt over electoral fraud made the situation untenable and forced him to resign in disgrace. 

In either interpretation there is little question that Luis Fernando Camacho quickly emerged as a new and significant leader in the anti-Morales protests following the October 20 vote. Camacho, a lawyer from the eastern province of Santa Cruz who vowed to “bring the Bible back to the government,” is president of a Comite Pro Santa Cruz, a powerful civic organization that includes businesses, unions and neighborhood associations. He has already announced his intention to be a candidate for president in the next election that will take place in coming months under the interim government headed by Jeanine Añez. 

What is Camacho’s political agenda? What does his radical movement represent? As a right-wing opposition figure who led the anti-Morales campaign, how will he deal with the leftist MAS party of Morales? Will his rhetoric and actions exacerbate social, economic and ethnic divides in Bolivia, or will they help unite and heal the country? What are his views about human rights, due process, and the rule of law? How does he propose to address with the country’s economic and social challenges? What are his ideas about foreign policy and regional relations?

The Dialogue is pleased to hosted a conversation in Spanish with Luis Fernando Camacho on Thursday, December 12, from 10:00-11:00am, moderated by Michael Shifter.

Follow this event on Twitter @The_Dialogue.

SPEAKER:

LUIS FERNANDO CAMACHO

Former President, Comite Pro Santa Cruz

MODERATOR

MICHAEL SHIFTER

President, Inter-American Dialogue (@MichaelShifter)

 

This conversation will be held in Spanish without interpretation.