In Chile, it was a 3.7% hike in subway train fares, which burgeoned into demands for broader economic and political reforms. Sustained protests caused the cancellation of the Asia-Pacific Economic Forum this month and the climate crisis convention in December. Bolivians, most of whom are indigenous and mixed-blood (mestizos), have largely benefitted from the progressive socio-economic programs initiated and implemented by Morales, the country’s first indigenous president. He thanked Mexico for “saving my life” and accused his political rivals of having induced a coup that forced him to resign. “The standard of living for millions of people improved dramatically,” observed Calla Hummel, an American political scientist who has researched on Bolivia.

Source: Philippine Star November 15, 2019 16:01 UTC