I never wore a tie voluntarily, even though I was forced to wear one for photos when I was young and for official events at school. I used to wrap my tie in a newspaper, and whenever the teacher checked I would quickly put it on again. I'm not used to it. Most Bolivians don't wear ties.

I have a lot of hope for the Constituent Assembly.

I am not accustomed to protocol.

We want to govern with our indigenous ancestors' models: That means a different concept of participation, community work and honesty.

I am Catholic. But I am opposed to a monopoly when it comes to faith.

To talk only about national security, national defense, means to be selfish, ambitious. It is discrimination, isolation. "It is just me. What do I care about others?"

Playing sports has always been my greatest pleasure. I don't smoke, I hardly drink alcohol. Sports helped get me into the presidential palace. My first position in the union was that of sports secretary.