The Vice President of Bolivia, Edmand Lara, shared a video in which he recounted a conversation with President Rodrigo Paz, emphasizing his constitutional right to participate in cabinet meetings and reaffirming his commitment to fighting corruption.
In the message, Lara explained that during a recent meeting, he was advised to stay only for official photos while the rest of the cabinet would meet later. According to his account, it was the president himself who made that suggestion.
“Yesterday they told me, ‘just stay for the photo, captain, then we’ll meet in the cabinet.’ It was Rodrigo Paz who told me,” said the vice president.
Lara said he responded by reminding that the Constitution establishes the participation of the vice president in cabinet meetings, and therefore, his presence in those sessions is not optional.
“I told him I want to stay here, because the Constitution says the vice president participates in the cabinet of ministers,” he explained.
He also shared that he was advised to focus on the administrative functions of the Vice Presidency due to workload concerns, but he reiterated his willingness to fulfill all the responsibilities granted to him by law.
“He told me not to worry, to take care of the Vice Presidency. But I replied that I will make time to attend the cabinet meetings, as the Constitution requires,” Lara added.
Defense of Institutions and Rejection of Corruption
In another part of the video, Edmand Lara expressed respect for the ministers currently serving in the government, highlighting that many of them are upright and capable professionals. However, he voiced strong opposition to any sign of corruption and referred to the case of Freddy Vidovic, whom he described as a victim of “cowardice” and a “low blow.”
“I will not allow power groups to try to take over the justice system. What they are doing to Freddy Vidovic is an injustice,” he stated.
Lara urged that government decisions should not be influenced by particular interests and reaffirmed that his loyalty lies with the Bolivian people and the defense of legality.
“I will fight from where I am, with the people, and the people know I do not lie. I am willing to give my life for my homeland. Corruption will never again take over Bolivia,” he affirmed.
“A Hard but Necessary Struggle”
The vice president concluded his message with a call for unity and determination in eradicating corruption, recognizing that it will be a difficult but necessary process to strengthen the country’s institutions.
“It is a hard fight, but we will prevail. Even if the corrupt don’t like it, we will move forward and bury corruption,” he concluded.
