president of Bolivia from 2006 to 2019
Juan Evo Morales Ayma (b. October 26, 1959), popularly known as Evo (IPA: [ˈeβ̞o]), is the President of Bolivia, the country's first Amerindian president.
From: Wikiquote (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Native Name:
Lari Sonso Maleante
Alternative Names:
Juan Evo Morales Ayma
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Juan Evo Morales Aima
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Juan Evo Morales
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Evo Morales Aima
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Evo Morales Ayma
From Wikidata (CC0)
Morales: After more than 500 years we, the Quechuas and Aymaras [the Indigenous people of Bolivia], are still the rightful owners of this land. We, the Indigenous people, after 500 years of resistance, are retaking power. This retaking of power is oriented towards the recovery of our natural resources, such as the hydrocarbons. This affects the interests of the transnational corporations and the interests of the neoliberal system. Nevertheless, I am convinced that the power of the people is increasing and strengthening. This power is changing presidents, economic models and politics. We are convinced that capitalism is the enemy of the Earth, of humanity and of culture. The US government does not understand our way of life and our philosophy. But we will defend our proposals, our way of life and our demands with the participation of the Bolivian people.
Interviewer: Many in Bolivia say that you should be president and that you have more support nationally than any other candidate. What do you have to say about the pressure you may receive from the US government if you are elected president? The US ambassador in Bolivia has stated that if you are elected, the US will pull its financial support from Bolivia.