As clashes continue in Bolivia, former socialist leader Evo Morales has fled to Mexico and been granted asylum.
Morales, 60, had ruled the South American country for nearly 14 years until he announced Sunday that he would be stepping down. He said that his exit was for “the good of the country.” The move came after weeks of violent protests across Bolivia.
The former president, who is supported by Venezuelan strongman Nicolás Maduro and Cuba, flew out of Bolivia in a Mexican government plane late Monday, according to the Associated Press. Morales said the departure would not be permanent, writing on Twitter that he will “return soon, with more strength and energy.”
Mexican Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard posted a photo of Morales onboard what appeared to be a private jet, draped in the Mexican flag with a Gatorade bottle to his right.
Supporters of the socialist leader have violently revolted since his ouster. Pro-Morales demonstrators were seen setting fire to barricades in order to block roads leading to the country’s main airport, while those opposing Morales blocked roads to Congress and the presidential palace.
Opposition politician Jeanine Añez, the second vice president of the Senate, said she would take control of the Senate and would be next in line for the presidency if Congress approves her bid, although it is unclear if it will. A heavily guarded Añez showed up to Congress Monday and delivered a tearful address.
“Please excuse me if my voice breaks,” Añez said. “It’s so hard to see Bolivians clashing, no matter which side they’re on. They are being mistreated, and I’m asking you to cease the violence.”
Protests against Morales began after the Oct. 20 election in Bolivia, the results of which could not be verified due to “serious irregularities.” Morales declared himself the winner of the election despite evidence of stuffed ballots and vote rigging.
His announcement sparked weeks of violent protests in the country, during which at least three people were killed and hundreds of others were injured.
It is not clear when an interim president will take over, and opposition leader Carlos Mesa said he will not negotiate with the ousted socialist.
“I have nothing to negotiate with Evo Morales, who has lost all grip on reality,” Mesa said.
