Bolivia launches 'agrarian revolution'

On Friday, seven of the country’s nine leading business federations issued a statement saying Bolivia’s “prospects for a better future are being diluted by actions based on ideology, politics and foreign influence.“

Democracy is a bitch, ain’t it?

LA PAZ, Bolivia – Leftist President Evo Morales launched a sweeping land reform plan on Saturday by handing over roughly 9,600 square miles of state-owned land to poor Indians.

Morales marked the start of his “agrarian revolution” just weeks after nationalizing Bolivia’s natural gas industry, giving foreign-owned energy companies six months to negotiate new contracts or leave.

Thousands of Indians gathered in the eastern city of Santa Cruz to receive land titles, chanting “Evo!” and waving Bolivian and rainbow whipala flags, which represent 500 years of Indian struggle.

“We want to change Bolivia together,” Morales told the crowd. “Getting back the land means we’re getting back all the natural resources, we’re nationalizing all the natural resources.”

Some land titles were handed out Saturday to Indian communities rather than individuals.

The ceremony came after talks broke down between Morales and agribusiness leaders on land reforms that involve handing out 77,000 square miles of government land — an area twice the size of Portugal — over the next five years.

Farmers say they fear mass deforestation. And the government also has promised to redistribute some private holdings, generating further unease. One farmers’ group has said it would form self-defense groups to prevent land seizures.

“The greatest need right now…

Posted by ByAnyMeans
Lost and very much alone in the heart of the empire.

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