Wednesday, May 03, 2006

English-language overview of 'nationalization'

Local (i.e., Cochabamba-based) Democracy Centre researcher Gretchen Gordon has written an excellent overview of the implications of Monday's announcement that Bolivia will 'nationalize' its gas industry for Upside Down World (which is also asking for funding help...). Excerpt:

...many see the government’s plan as the key to much needed economic development and as a means of recovering state sovereignty in a country that historically has been managed in the interests of foreign capital. “The recovery of the oil and gas resources is what Bolivia is counting on to be able to develop,” explains Roberto Delis, an YPFB employee participating in the refinery “takeover.” “Now those resources are going to be returned so that they serve Bolivia.”

--SNIP--

Many aspects of the decree, however, remain to be determined and its true impact will depend on the details of its implementation over the coming months.


Local media laugh
Today, on the cover of one local paper, Opinión, a blurb advertising in-depth coverage of the 'nationalization of gas' ended with a couple of bullet points, one of which read: 'Experts say it's not a nationalisation at all'. Obviously, the editors don't agree.

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