Bolivia’s opposition to rally support over land policy

Significance

Under the governorship of opposition leader Luis Fernando Camacho, Santa Cruz is insisting that land demarcation is a local responsibility. A recent meeting between the authorities to debate the issue had to be aborted for fear of clashes between supporters of regional autonomy and those backing the national administration.

Impacts

• Camacho will seek to coordinate with civic organisations elsewhere to orchestrate dissent.
• Tensions over landholding in Santa Cruz will be exacerbated by the effects of climate change.
• Future land demarcation is unlikely to involve widespread expropriation of private estates.