Santa Cruz Governor Signs Law Creating Ombudsman to Bolster Autonomy

The governor of Santa Cruz, Bolivia, has promulgated a departmental law establishing an independent ombudsman (Defensoría del Pueblo Cruceño) to address rights violations and defend regional interests. This move is part of the department's ongoing autonomy push against the central government, though its legal standing may be challenged. The development signals continued friction between Santa Cruz and the national administration.