Bolivia cancels flour subsidies due to corruption; bread price hikes could trigger a chain reaction.

Published 2025년 12월 9일

Tridge summary

According to a report by Bolivia's Opinion newspaper on the 4th, Minister of Production, Rural and Water Resources Development, Oscar Justiniano, stated that a lawsuit has been filed with the Office of the Attorney General after signs of mismanagement and corruption were found in the subsidy. The irregularities in this case, which involve illegal enrichment (harming state interests), trading power for money, and contracts that harm state interests, are under investigation. Rubén Ríos, the head of the National Bakers' Federation (Conapabol), and his son have been arrested in connection with the aforementioned case. Justiniano pointed out that the irregularities may involve more individuals and there is a suspected corruption network. Franklin Flores, the former manager of Emapa, is also wanted by the judiciary and is currently on the run. President Arce said on social media: "The bread subsidy should allow everyone to enjoy bread. This idea is so noble, so in line with Christian spirit, yet they have stolen a large amount of money. We will make sure these thieves, these criminal gangs, are sent to prison." Deputy Minister of Commerce, Gustavo Serrano, stated that the flour subsidy model has been terminated, as it fostered corruption and made a few people rich. The government is now working on a new plan to optimize bread pricing to benefit families. After the flour subsidy was canceled, the price of the most common "battle bread" (Pan de batalla) in Bolivia increased from 0.5 Bolivianos to 0.8 Bolivianos, causing dissatisfaction. Víctor Tarqui, a leader of the Bolivian Federation of Drivers' Unions, warned that if bread prices rise, the industry will increase fares. He said: "If the price of bread, a daily necessity, goes up, the transport industry has no choice but to follow suit... This will increase the household expenses of every transport worker. The government must fulfill its regulatory duties, because ultimately we are seeking stability for the country, not turmoil, and this depends on government action."

Original content

According to a report by Bolivia's Opinion newspaper on the 4th, Minister of Development, Production, Rural and Water Resources Oscar Justiniano stated that a lawsuit has been filed with the Attorney General's Office after signs of mismanagement and corruption were found in the subsidy. The irregularities in this case, which involve illegal enrichment (harming state interests), trading power for money, and contracts that harm state interests, are being investigated. Rubén Ríos, the head of the National Bakers' Federation (Conapabol), and his son have been arrested for the aforementioned case. Justiniano pointed out that the irregularities may involve more people and there is a network of corruption. Franklin Flores, the former manager of Emapa, is also wanted by the judiciary and is currently at large. President Arce said on social media: "The bread subsidy should allow everyone to enjoy bread. This idea is so noble, so in line with Christian spirit, yet they have stolen a large ...
Source: Foodmate

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