Bolivia faces backlash over Ministry of Cultures closure

Bolivia is facing widespread national backlash following the government's decision to close the Ministry of Sustainable Tourism, Cultures, Folklore and Gastronomy. Artistic collectives, cultural managers, and business guilds have denounced the move as a unilateral action that threatens the country's cultural identity, economic stability, and job security.

In response to the restructuring, Andrés Zaratti Chevarría has submitted his irrevocable resignation as the Vice Minister of Cultures and Folklore. In a letter to interim minister Héctor Francisco Huanca Gutiérrez, Zaratti stated that current decisions “weaken cultural institutionality” and prevent the development of comprehensive public policies. He criticized the state's tendency to treat culture as a mere accessory or an input for tourism rather than a vital social and economic pillar.

Opponents of the closure argue the measure violates several articles of the Bolivian Constitution and undermines international agreements with UNESCO. Affected sectors have declared a state of active emergency, calling for dialogue tables and emergency departmental laws to protect cultural development and tourism funds.