LA PAZ, Bolivia — Four states in open revolt against a constitutional overhaul by President Evo Morales and his pro-indigenous allies declared their intention Thursday to create independent regional governments.
A 130-member assembly in the eastern opposition stronghold of Santa Cruz approved an “autonomy statute” under which the state would hold on to nearly two-thirds of the tax revenues it currently turns over to central authorities.
Local leaders say they’ll seek a state referendum in coming months to approve it.
The other states that say they’ll approve regional charters by Saturday are Beni, Pando and Tarija, which represent with Santa Cruz some 35 percent of Bolivia’s more than 8.5 million people.
Morales insists the autonomy movement is conspiring with the U.S. to topple him.
