Evo Morales makes triumphant return to Bolivia
Evo Morales, Bolivia's first Indigenous president and one of Latin America's most prominent leftists, has made a triumphant return to his home country after being controversially driven from power one year ago.
The socialist leader, 61, crossed the border from Argentina on Monday to begin a 625-mile odyssey through the heartland of his support, accompanied by a festive, flag-flourishing convoy of vehicles.
"Today is one of the most important days of my life," he wrote on Twitter as he embarked on his return journey. "To be returning to the country that I love fills me with happiness."
Morales' return comes one day after Luis Arce, his former economy minister, was sworn in as Bolivia's president, delivering a major victory to the nation's socialist movement and its allies.
Arce, 57, surprised observers last month by winning the first round of the presidential election with 55% of the vote.
A soft-spoken, low-key figure, he assumes power in a nation that is politically polarized, and where the economy and health system have been severely battered by the coronavirus pandemic.
At: https://www.npr.org/2020/11/09/933139632/evo-morales-makes-triumphant-return-to-bolivia
Former Bolivian President Evo Morales (right), who was ousted in a violent right-wing coup a year ago, waves to supporters while crossing the border into Bolivia with Argentine President Alberto Fernández.
Morales lived in Buenos Aires' co-operatively run Bauen Hotel for most of his year-long exile, and has on numerous occasions credited the Argentine president for saving his life.
"Thank you my Argentine brothers and sisters - and thank you, brother Alberto, for being with me and guaranteeing my security," Morales said.
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Morales speaking to supporters in Villazón, Bolivia, with a smiling García Linera among them:
And the two (left, center) enjoying their last lunch in Argentina with Fernández (right, pointing jovially) and other Argentine officials at a restaurant in the dusty border town of La Quiaca.
Gender and Diversity Minister Elizabeth Gómez Alcorta - Milagro Sala's lawyer during most of the Macri era - is seen beside Fernández, with glasses.
It never occurred to me that someone else with silver hair might be there at the celebration!
It's wonderful learning it was Pres. Fernández, himself! How great is that? I would guess they got to be much more acquainted when Evo Morales was temporarily living in Argentina, at his invitation, while the fascists attempted to hijack the Bolivian government.
I guess the fascists also wouldn't have considered allowing García Linera to run for the office, himself, considering his closenesst to the elected President they attempted to destroy. Now there will still be the most loyal and devolted people very close to the people's new dedicated President. More power to all of them.
It's just great seeing Fernández right across the table from Morales.
Had not learned that Fernández appointed Milagro Sala's attorney, Elizabeth Gómez Alcorta, to high office, either. That's so great, and no doubt at all Milagro Sala is thrilled about it, too. Now that good leader will be able to finally find peace after all the persecution and torment she endured from her governor and his evil President Mauricio Macri.
So many good people at one event. Thank you for adding the information needed so much, sandensea. 
What a difference from 40 years ago - when the Argentine dictatorship helped install the infamous Luis García Meza. Or from just last year, when Macri colluded in the coup.
The last Argentine dictator, Reynaldo Bignone, and a bagful of Bolivian generals (one carrying jewelry and cocaine dime bags) - as seen by the late cartoonist Andrés Cascioli in a 1982 cover of the satirical bi-weekly Humór.
The dictatorship's ties to Bolivia's narco-regime (which yielded to elections that year) was well known in Argentina, and contributed to its own downfall.
