It is lunchtime in La Paz, but these men haven't eaten for more than a week. They say they are the crucified, not the constituents, of President Hugo Banzer's administration. It's a frequent lament these days as marches, strikes and protests by coca farmers, union activists and Indian peasants reverberate across the nation of 8 million people. Three-quarters of Bolivians live in poverty, and many are disenchanted with the former dictator's elected civilian government. Some contend Banzer, who turned 75 on May 10, is showing the authoritarian bent of his dictatorship in the 1970s.
Many people openly wonder if democracy has helped their lot in life.
The poor just get oppressed. Unlike other Latin American dictators from his era, Banzer returned to the political game after dictatorship went out of style. This time, he decided to play by the rules. Yet many question the sincerity of Banzer's transition, and critics point out streaks of the old strongman in the rule of the retired general that have added to a high disapproval rating. His past is well known.