[lbo-talk] populism

[Eric Beck]

[A regressive increase in fuel prices--that'll stick it to them five-
and six-car-driving elites. Naturally, truck drivers are not so happy
with Morales's attempt to protect the national economy.]

Bolivia Raises Fuel Prices to Protect Economy and Stop Subsidizing Smugglers
by Agencia Boliviana de Información

The Bolivian government approved on Sunday a decree to bring fuel
prices in line with regional prices, "to protect the economy and stop
subsidizing smugglers," which adjusts gasoline and diesel prices while
keeping frozen the prices of liquefied petroleum gas and vehicular
natural gas.

At a press conference, Vice President Álvaro García Linera,
temporarily assuming presidential duties due to Evo Morales's trip to
Venezuela, announced Supreme Decree 748, approved by the cabinet of
ministers at a meeting held in the Palacio Quemado, the seat of the
executive branch.

"We can no longer subsidize either smugglers or the powerful who have
five or six cars.  What we want to do is to use the money for fuel
subsidy for the benefit of the Bolivians, for the neediest," he
argued.

The Bolivian vice president said that the decision was taken by the
cabinet after a long debate, to "protect the Bolivian economy."

[...]

mrzine.monthlyreview.org/2010/abi271210.html