Carlos Mesa facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Carlos Mesa OCA OSP OMAA OMM
Official portrait, 2004
63rd President of Bolivia
In office 17 October 2003 – 9 June 2005
Vice President	Vacant
Preceded by	Gonzalo Sánchez de Lozada
Succeeded by	Eduardo Rodríguez Veltzé
37th Vice President of Bolivia
In office 6 August 2002 – 17 October 2003
President	Gonzalo Sánchez de Lozada
Preceded by	Jorge Quiroga
Succeeded by	Álvaro García Linera
Leader of Civic Community
Incumbent
Assumed office 13 November 2018
Preceded by	Alliance established
Official Representative of Bolivia for the Maritime Claim
Ad honorem
In office 28 April 2014 – 1 October 2018
President	Evo Morales
Preceded by	Position established
Succeeded by	Position dissolved
Personal details
Born	Carlos Diego de Mesa Gisbert (1953-08-12) 12 August 1953 (age 71) La Paz, Bolivia
Political party	Revolutionary Left Front (2018–present)
Other political affiliations	Independent (before 2018)
Spouses	Patricia Flores Soto ​ ​ (m. 1975; div. 1978)​ Elvira Salinas Gamarra ​ (m. 1980)​
Children	Borja Ignacio Guiomar
Parents	José de Mesa Teresa Gisbert
Education	San Calixto School San Estanislao de Kotska School
Alma mater	Complutense University of Madrid Higher University of San Andrés
Occupation	Historian journalist politician
Awards	List of awards and honors
Signature

Carlos Diego de Mesa Gisbert (born 12 August 1953) is a Bolivian historian, journalist, and politician. He served as the 63rd President of Bolivia from 2003 to 2005. Before that, he was the 37th Vice President of Bolivia from 2002 to 2003 under Gonzalo Sánchez de Lozada.

As a journalist, he became very famous in Bolivia. Later, he was asked to join politics. He also served as the international spokesperson for Bolivia's case against Chile at the International Court of Justice from 2014 to 2018. Since 2018, he has been the leader of Civic Community, a major opposition group in Bolivia.

Early Life and Career

Growing Up and School

Mesa with his family in 1965.

Carlos Mesa was born on 12 August 1953 in La Paz, Bolivia. His father, José de Mesa, was from Spain, and his mother, Teresa Gisbert, was from Catalonia. Both his parents were famous Bolivian architects and historians. He has three younger brothers and sisters.

From 1959 to 1970, Carlos went to the San Calixto School in La Paz. In 1970, he moved to Spain and finished high school in Madrid. He then studied political science and literature at the Complutense University of Madrid. After three years, he returned to Bolivia and got his literature degree from the Higher University of San Andrés in 1978.

Carlos Mesa married Patricia Flores Soto when he was 22, but they divorced three years later. On 28 March 1980, he married Elvira Salinas Gamarra. They have two children, Borja Ignacio and Guiomar.

Journalism Work

Film Critic and Archivist

In 1976, while still a student, Carlos Mesa helped start the Bolivian Cinematheque. This was a place to store and preserve films. He was the executive director of the cinematheque until 1985.

Radio Host and Producer

Mesa started working in radio in 1969. He began by helping with news reports. By 1974, he was producing and hosting his own show on Radio Méndez. He later worked at Radio Metropolitana and Radio Cristal, where he became known for his news commentary and opinions.

Television Presenter

Mesa, aged 18, as a student at the Complutense University of Madrid.

In 1983, Mesa started working in television. He became the host of a popular show called De Cerca. On this show, he interviewed important political and cultural figures in Bolivia. The show was very popular and made him a national TV personality. It ran for two decades and was known for its consistent style.

Starting PAT

Mesa discusses his book Soliloquio del Conquistador at the Miami Book Fair, 2014.

On 1 August 1990, Mesa and other journalists started a TV company called Associated Journalists Television (PAT). They wanted to create a news channel that was free from government control. PAT became very successful, even getting financial support from the government. However, it faced challenges and was eventually sold.

Newspaper Columnist

Mesa also wrote for many newspapers. He was a regular contributor to sports sections from 1976 to 2002. He also worked as a film critic and wrote columns for major newspapers in Bolivia and international outlets like El País in Spain.

Becoming Vice President (2002–2003)

Entering Politics

Carlos Mesa was often asked to join politics because of his fame as a journalist. However, he always refused, preferring to stay independent. In 1986, President Paz Estenssoro asked him to be a minister, but Mesa declined. He also turned down offers to run for vice president or senator many times.

Saying Yes

In 2002, former president Gonzalo Sánchez de Lozada asked Mesa to be his running mate for the presidential election. Mesa was hesitant because he was an independent and thought the vice president's job had "few clear powers". He also worried about leaving his journalism career and the impact on his family.

However, after much thought, Mesa accepted the offer. He was convinced that he could help Bolivia deal with its economic problems and fight corruption.

The 2002 Election

The election was held on 30 June 2002. The team of Sánchez de Lozada and Mesa won the most votes, but not a clear majority. This meant that the Congress had to choose the president. On 4 August, Congress elected Sánchez de Lozada as president and Carlos Mesa as vice president. They took office two days later.

A Difficult Vice Presidency

Fighting Corruption

Official vice-presidential portrait, 2002.

Mesa promised to fight corruption. In August 2002, he created a special unit to investigate corruption cases. This unit worked independently and published reports on alleged corruption. However, it faced challenges, including a lack of cooperation from other parts of the government.

Black February

In February 2003, there were big protests in Bolivia. President Sánchez de Lozada proposed a new tax, which made many people angry. The protests turned into riots, and Mesa's vice-presidential office was even set on fire. Mesa described this as "my apocalypse," feeling that his hopes for public service were shattered.

Black October: Mesa Steps Back

By September 2003, there was widespread unrest, especially about exporting Bolivia's natural gas. On 12 October, Mesa met with Sánchez de Lozada and urged him to hold a public vote (referendum) on the gas issue. However, the president refused.

During their discussion, news came that government forces were clashing with protesters, leading to deaths. Mesa was shocked and publicly withdrew his support for the government the next day. He said his "conscience as a human being cannot tolerate" the loss of lives.

Mesa decided not to resign from his vice-presidential post. He believed it was important to ensure that democracy continued smoothly if the president stepped down. On 17 October, Sánchez de Lozada resigned, and Carlos Mesa became the new president of Bolivia.

Becoming President (2003–2005)

Taking Office

Carlos Mesa became the 63rd president of Bolivia through constitutional succession. He promised to hold a referendum on gas exports and to create a special assembly to change the Constitution. These promises became known as the "October Agenda."

His new government was largely supported by the people, who stopped their protests. Even Evo Morales, a powerful indigenous leader, expressed willingness to support Mesa's plans. Mesa's first act as president was to visit El Alto, a city where many protesters had died. He promised to investigate those responsible for the violence.

Domestic Policies

Economy

Mesa attends the funeral of Pope John Paul II, 8 April 2005.

One of Mesa's biggest challenges was the country's economic problems. In February 2004, he introduced a plan to reduce government spending. He cut his own salary by 10% and other high officials' salaries by 5%. He also introduced new taxes on wealthy individuals and bank transactions. By the end of his first year, the country's financial deficit had been significantly reduced.

Changing the Constitution

To fulfill his promises, Mesa needed to change the Constitution. In February 2004, a new law was passed that allowed for a special assembly to revise the Constitution and for public referendums. This law also removed parliamentary immunity (special protection for politicians) and allowed for dual citizenship.

Hydrocarbons and Gas

2004 Gas Referendum

In April 2004, Mesa called for a national referendum (public vote) on gas. The vote had five questions about how Bolivia's natural gas should be managed. Many labor groups called for a boycott because the questions didn't directly ask for nationalization (government taking full control) of gas. However, the vote went ahead on 18 July.

All five questions passed with strong support. Questions about repealing old laws, recovering ownership of gas, and reestablishing the state oil company (YPFB) received over 80% of the vote. Mesa saw this as a big victory and a sign of public trust.

2005 Hydrocarbons Law

After the referendum, Mesa worked with Congress to create a new law about hydrocarbons. However, without a strong political party supporting him, it was hard for him to get his ideas passed. There were many protests and disagreements.

Eventually, Congress passed a law that kept an 18% royalty (payment) for oil companies but added a 32% profits tax, making it 50% in total. Mesa believed the country couldn't afford this new tax immediately and wanted it to be introduced gradually.

Since Mesa didn't agree with the law, he chose not to sign or veto it. According to the Constitution, if the president doesn't act within ten days, the head of Congress can sign it into law. So, on 16 May, the President of the Senate signed the bill into law.

Autonomies

Another big issue was the call for more local control (autonomy) from regions like Santa Cruz. Mesa supported this idea and wanted a constituent assembly to change the Constitution to allow for more decentralization and for regional leaders (prefects) to be elected by popular vote.

However, this led to tension with Santa Cruz leaders who wanted a faster path to autonomy. Protests grew, especially after the government ended a fuel subsidy, causing prices to rise. In January 2005, Santa Cruz declared itself an autonomous department, which was against the Constitution at the time. Mesa responded by issuing a decree that allowed for the election of prefects in all nine departments, a step towards greater autonomy.

Foreign Policy

Argentina

In April 2004, Mesa made an agreement with Argentina to sell Bolivian natural gas. This deal was important for Bolivia's economy. Mesa met with the Argentine president several times to discuss increasing gas exports to help with Argentina's energy needs.

Chile and the Maritime Claim

Mesa's complex relationship with Evo Morales has been one of both cooperation and open hostility.

Bolivia has a long-standing claim for sovereign access to the Pacific Ocean, which it lost to Chile in a war over a century ago. Mesa discussed this issue with the Chilean president in November 2003. They talked about a possible land strip for Bolivia to reach the Pacific, but it would need Peru's approval.

Mesa also brought up the maritime claim at international meetings, emphasizing that it was a matter of justice for Bolivia. His government published a book, Libro Azul, explaining Bolivia's historical claim.

Peru

Presidents of Bolivia, Brazil, and Peru inaugurate a bridge connecting Brazil and Peru, 11 August 2004.

In November 2003, Mesa and the Peruvian president agreed to work towards a common market to improve trade and economic ties. In August 2004, they signed an agreement that gave Bolivia a special economic zone at the Peruvian port of Ilo. This allowed Bolivia to export its gas to other countries, giving it access to the Pacific Ocean for the first time in over 100 years.

Final Resignation

Despite being popular, Mesa found it hard to govern because he couldn't reach agreements with Congress, especially after his relationship with the MAS party broke down. He tried to call for early general elections, but Congress rejected his idea.

The country faced more strikes and protests from different groups with conflicting demands. Some wanted a constituent assembly, others wanted gas nationalization, and some wanted autonomy referendums. Mesa tried to find a solution by calling a "National Meeting for Unity," but most political parties refused to attend.

Finally, on 2 June 2005, Mesa decided to act on his own and scheduled the referendum and elections for the constituent assembly. However, his actions did not stop the unrest. Faced with the difficult situation and unwilling to use military force against protesters, Mesa resigned on 6 June.

He asked the heads of the Senate and Chamber of Deputies to also resign their rights to become president, to avoid further conflict. After some resistance, they agreed. On 9 June 2005, Eduardo Rodríguez Veltzé, the president of the Supreme Court, was sworn in as the new president.

After the Presidency (2005–2018)

Mesa at a panel of the Global Rule of Law Exchange in São Paulo, 2016.

After leaving the presidency, Mesa returned to his work as a journalist. In 2008, he published a book about his time as president. He also directed and narrated a documentary series about 20th-century Bolivian history. In 2012, he received the National Journalism Award for his contributions to media.

Spokesperson for the Maritime Claim

On 28 April 2014, President Evo Morales appointed Mesa as a spokesperson for Bolivia's maritime claim against Chile. Mesa's job was to present Bolivia's legal and historical arguments in international forums, especially at the International Court of Justice. He worked without a salary for this important cause.

Cover of The Book of the Sea, coordinated by Mesa.

Mesa helped present El Libro del Mar (The Book of the Sea), which explained Bolivia's arguments to the international community. During this time, Mesa supported Morales on the maritime issue but also criticized the government's actions on other matters.

In September 2018, Mesa traveled to The Hague to hear the court's final decision. On 1 October 2018, the International Court of Justice ruled that Chile was not obligated to negotiate sovereign access to the Pacific with Bolivia. Mesa urged Bolivians to accept the ruling, even if it seemed unfair.

Return to Politics (2018–Present)

After his work on the maritime claim, Mesa became popular again in Bolivia. Polls showed him as a strong candidate for president against Evo Morales. On 5 October 2018, he was formally invited to be the presidential candidate for the Revolutionary Left Front (FRI). The next day, Mesa officially announced his candidacy, saying he wanted to lead "a citizen movement" for a new era in Bolivia.

Leader of Civic Community

On 30 October, Mesa and La Paz Mayor Luis Revilla announced they would form a political alliance. This alliance was named Civic Community (CC) and was registered in November 2018. It brought together several political groups and citizen platforms.

2019 Presidential Election

Annulled 2019 departmental election results.

Mesa chose Gustavo Pedraza as his vice-presidential candidate. His campaign focused on strengthening democratic institutions and fighting corruption. He argued that President Morales's attempt to run for a fourth term was illegal because voters had rejected changing term limits in 2016.

Crisis: Mesa Calls Fraud

The general elections were held on 20 October 2019. Initial results suggested a second round of voting between Morales and Mesa. However, the official live count suddenly stopped. When it resumed, the updated results showed Morales winning by just enough to avoid a runoff. Mesa immediately said the results were "distorted and rigged" and called it "a gigantic fraud." He urged his supporters to protest.

After weeks of protests, Evo Morales resigned on 10 November. An interim government was formed, led by Senator Jeanine Áñez. Mesa supported this transitional government but said his alliance would not join it, focusing instead on the upcoming new elections.

2020 Presidential Election

2020 departmental election results.

A month later, Mesa confirmed he would run again in the new general elections. However, the opposition was divided, with several candidates running, including interim President Áñez. This split the anti-MAS vote.

In the elections on 18 October 2020, Luis Arce of the MAS party won in the first round. Mesa came in second. Mesa accepted the defeat and noted that his Civic Community coalition would be the largest opposition group in the Legislative Assembly. Analysts believe his campaign was too "passive" during the pandemic, relying mostly on virtual events.

Beliefs and Personality

Political Views

Carlos Mesa is described as a "centrist" politician who believes in democratic values and reconciliation. He says he doesn't fit into a single political ideology like "left" or "right" anymore.

He believes in the separation of church and state and has proposed laws to ensure judicial independence in Bolivia. Mesa is also very concerned about environmental issues, especially protecting Bolivia's rainforests. He has been recognized for his commitment to climate action.

Personality

People who know Carlos Mesa describe him as "methodical." He is known for being humble and willing to admit his mistakes. However, some in the media have called him "distant" or "arrogant" because he tends to work with a small team. During his recent campaigns, Mesa was active on social media, using platforms like Facebook and Twitter to connect with supporters.

Electoral History

Awards and Honors

National Awards

Award or decoration		Country	Date
	Grand Collar of the Order of the Condor of the Andes	Bolivia	2003–2005
Source: Curriculum Vitae, Carlos Mesa

Foreign Awards

Award or decoration		Country	Date
	Officer's Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany	Germany	1987
	Officer of the Order of Rio Branco	Brazil	1990
	Grand Cross of the Order pro Merito Melitensi	Malta	2002
	Grand Cross with Diamonds of the Order of the Sun of Peru	Peru	2004
	Grand Collar of the Order of San Carlos	Colombia
	Collar of the Order of the Aztec Eagle	Mexico	2005
Source: Curriculum Vitae, Carlos Mesa

Filmography

See also

In Spanish: Carlos Mesa para niños