« Election Buzzword #1 - Gonismo | Main | Forgive Me, Father »
Julio 24, 2005
Samuel Doria Medina Interview - La Razon
La Razon has begun a series of interviews with the candidates that have officially announced his participation in the December 4 elections. 
Today's feature is on businessman and former MIR cabinet member Samuel Doria Medina. Currently he is leader of the Unidad Nacional (UN) party that is trying desperately to shake the perception that he and Tuto Quiroga are one in the same.
The cement magnate and owner of the Burger King restaurants in Bolivia calls his proposals for the "popular center," which he explains in food terms. His plans are "llajwa" (the national hot sauce) and not "ketchup". (It's interesting to note that in the Burger King restaurants, llajwa is available upon request.)
Doria Medina also addresses the fact that many have labeled him as "uncharismatic", a charge that he readily admits. He doesn't want to be the politician who greets hundreds of people each day, as he would rather be the one that solves problems, creates jobs and finishes successful projects.
His two main rivals also were mentioned by Doria Medina. At one time, he said he had more in common with Evo Morales, than with Tuto Quiroga. He explains that in December 2004, Evo had opted for the democratic route as he was unofficially part of Carlos Mesa's government. However, when he decided to blockade in 2005 and move away from democratic means, that is when any similarities ended.
The criticism towards Quiroga is based largely on Quiroga's being out of touch with Bolivian reality. Doria Medina says that Quiroga has been absent from the country ever since his term ended in 2002. He noted that it doesn't seem that Quiroga thinks that a change is needed.
Finally, in attempting to shake the "neoliberal" label, he says that it is true that much of his proposals are economic nature because that is at the root of Bolivia's problems. But, he wants to work with the informal sector and the small businesses to be at the basis of this economic revival.
Yet, he prides himself on being a candidate that can work with any of the regions in Bolivia. As a businessman, he has had many dealings with Santa Cruz and much of his advisor team comes from that Department. But his business also has taken him to the Occident and other parts of the country. His ease in working with all parts of the country is something that his two main competitors would find difficulty, with Evo in Santa Cruz, as well as Tuto in El Alto
Posted by eduardo at Julio 24, 2005 11:15 AM
Comments
Since it seems that no candidate will recive 51% of the votes, the election to the parliament is very important. How does the politcal landscape look? Medina has his new party. What about it? Qurioga has his. What about it?
What about the old parties (MNR, ADN, MIR, UCS etc)? What about new parties?
Posted by: Fredrik Lindqvist at Julio 26, 2005 04:33 AM
Fredrik- I responded via email.
Posted by: eduardo at Julio 27, 2005 09:14 PM