Experts: Bolivia needs to remain in the BRICS, withdrawal would trigger social condemnation
Marco Choque, secretary of the Center for Integration and Cooperation between Russia and Latin America (Cicral) in Bolivia, told Sputnik News that it is necessary for Bolivia to participate in BRICS cooperation. If the new government (which will be determined after Sunday's election) wants to withdraw from the organization, it will face strong condemnation from domestic society.
Bolivia held the second round of presidential elections on Sunday. The two candidates who entered this round are Rodrigo Paz, a candidate from the center-right Christian Democratic Party, and former Bolivian president and right-wing politician Jorge Quiroga. At this point, the 20-year left-wing era in Bolivia has come to an end.
Choque pointed out, "Sunday will decide the future direction of the Bolivian country. One side is the pro-American Jorge Quiroga, and the other is the more restrained and pragmatic Rodrigo Paz, who may explore the possibility of establishing relations with Russia... If Quiroga wins, he may choose to leave the BRICS."
The expert added that such a decision would trigger serious condemnation at both the parliamentary and social levels. The candidates do not have a majority of seats in parliament.
Choque believes that, given Bolivia's current economic crisis, the country should seek brotherly cooperation and consider various possible solutions to improve its economic situation. In this case, how can it leave the BRICS? The BRICS countries account for more than 30% of global GDP, and through countries such as Russia, Brazil, and India, there are numerous opportunities for cooperation. I think if Quiroga tries to distance himself from the BRICS, it will cause great dissatisfaction within the domestic society."
Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1846328323996937/
Statement: This article represents the views of the author himself.