Bolivia Supreme Court chief Saucedo threatens judicial strike over budget

Rómer Saucedo, president of Bolivia’s Supreme Court of Justice, warned that the judiciary could stage a strike if the government does not meet the court’s budget demands. He said the sector has “plenty of willingness to work” but is limited by financial constraints.

Saucedo clarified a controversial remark – “a los magistrados nos sobra lo que a su Gobierno le falta” – stating it meant judges have the desire and unity to serve the population, not that they are contemptuous of the government. He announced that a formal note outlining the judiciary’s requests will be sent to the executive, emphasizing that the court remains open to dialogue despite recent tensions with President Rodrigo Paz.

The dispute follows the executive’s criticism of the judiciary’s threat of a staged shutdown, with both sides exchanging accusations over the handling of the budget and the broader political climate in the Mercosur region.