Activists and Indians make up Morales first cabinet

BOLIVIA’S first indigenous president, Evo Morales, turned to fellow socialists, Indians, grass-roots activists and women to form his Cabinet yesterday and ordered them to root out corruption and adopt a new leftist economic model.

The 12 men and four women were sworn in by Morales, some pledging allegiance with a raised left fist, others with a hand on their heart, and a few with both gestures. This was Morales’ first official act after his inauguration on Sunday.

“I want zero corruption, zero bureaucracy, no more ‘come back tomorrow’. People are tired of this,” said Morales, wearing the striped sweater that has come to symbolise his informal style.