Bolivia's leaders clash over control of cement and electricity facilities

In the southern Bolivian department of Potosí, Mayor Williams Cervantes rejected a proposal by Chuquisaca Governor Luis Ayllón that would have the private firm FANCESA co‑manage the state‑owned cement plants operated by ECEBOL in Potosí and Oruro. Cervantes argued that the plants should remain under local control and called for a municipal takeover, convening local business groups to draft a formal request to the national government.

Separately, former President Evo Morales warned he could seize a power plant in the Cochabamba region after prolonged outages and fuel shortages sparked protests. Morales urged community self‑management of the facility, while the current government pledged to prevent any illegal takeover of essential services.