Page Seven / La Paz
The Minister of Justice, Iván Lima, maintained that Nadia Cruz is a “suitable defender” who showed courage and principles. This, despite the fact that she was observed by former defenders.
“I think we have a suitable defender right now. Nadia Cruz has shown courage, principles and very important work. What has happened in this defense institution since Ana María Romero and until now has been a qualitative advance in favor of human rights”, she stated in an interview with Bolivia TV.
On January 30, when Cruz completed three years as head of the Ombudsman, former defenders observed Cruz.
Carmen Ruiz, former head of the defense entity, stated: “Nadia Cruz first showed her unconditional support for a political project (…). In her militancy, she has prioritized the interests of the party, it is clear that she did not act in the moments that she had to act”.
Former defender Rielma Mencias said that “the Ombudsman has ceased to have a preponderant role in institutional activity, I think the governments are interested in having that activity (not relevant)”.
On Friday, the Joint Constitution Commission of the Plurinational Legislative Assembly (ALP) approved the regulations and call for the selection process of the new Ombudsman, and sent it to the ALP plenary session. That document includes a clause that excludes the actors of 2019, both those who participated in the transitional government and those who mobilized, according to deputy Gualberto Arispe, drafter of the regulation.
The Minister of Justice stated that he hopes that “political maturity” prevails in this selection process for the new Ombudsman, given that he considers that “some sectors” do not participate in the processes and then criticize them.
The authority also indicated that in order to elect the new highest authority of the Ombudsman’s Office, it is necessary to “make a decision of a political nature.” The MAS does not have the two-thirds required for that appointment.
“We hope that the number of suitable candidates will present themselves to be able to make a decision of a political nature. There is no reason to think badly about politics. Politics is the greatest service to citizens and when it is seen in constitutional terms, it allows agreements to exist”, expressed the authority of the Executive.
New process
- Commission • On Friday, the Constitution Commission of the Plurinational Legislative Assembly approved the regulations for the selection of the new Ombudsman and sent it to the plenary session of the Legislature.
- Clause • The regulation included a requirement that excludes the actors of 2019, both those who participated in the transition government and those who demonstrated.
