Bolivian President Luis Arce, in an exclusive interview with RT conducted during the BRICS summit, announced that he has declined to run in the upcoming presidential elections scheduled for August 17, 2025. Arce stated that this decision was made to facilitate the unification process within the popular movement. He also criticized the right-wing opposition, accusing them of attempting to hand over Bolivia's natural resources, including lithium, to imperialist interests backed by the United States. Arce emphasized the presence of foreign interests in Bolivia's natural resources, which he said is evident in the electoral process. The interview highlights Bolivia's stance on protecting its lithium reserves amid geopolitical tensions.