Bolivia President Rodrigo Paz threatens ex‑president Evo Morales with jail

President Rodrigo Paz told a crowd in Cochabamba that Evo Morales “will end up in jail,” referencing the former president’s pending legal cases, including an arrest warrant for alleged human‑trafficking offenses. Paz linked Morales to recent blockades that, according to him, crippled commerce and health services in Cochabamba, El Alto and La Paz, and announced a new development program funded by a $4.5 billion agreement with the Inter‑American Development Bank.

Former president Evo Morales reacted on social media, calling Paz a “matón” (bully) and rejecting the threats. Morales defended his administration’s record, citing 5 % economic growth, the lifting of more than three million people out of poverty, uninterrupted fuel supplies and no energy‑security crises. He also denied past accusations of drug‑trafficking, arguing that current scandals are being used to target the government.

The exchange highlights heightened political tension in Bolivia as the new president seeks to confront former leadership while promoting large‑scale investment projects.