¡Hola! Merhaba! Cześć! Moin! And Hello! I am Luc.

As a freelance journalist, I focus on Latin America—especially Bolivia—and the Middle East, with a particular interest in Turkey.

After completing my Master’s degree in International Development and Management (LUMID), which included my master thesis research on shoeshiners in La Paz, I will return to Bolivia on July 16. A lot is happening in the country at the heart of South America: a fuel crisis, political tensions surrounding the upcoming presidential elections, and, on August 6, the 200th anniversary of Bolivia’s independence from Spain. During my stay, I will be working in collaboration with Bolivia FM to bring these issues to an international audience.

If you are interested in a potential collaboration, feel free to reach out! I am fluent in German, Spanish, and English.

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Recent Articles

Luc Appold • 10 April 2025

A Temporary Respite in Bolivia's Fuel Crisis

After around three weeks of fuel shortages, Bolivians no longer have to queue at gas stations—for now. Some suspect that the fuel crisis wasn’t just a result of political mismanagement, but rather a political game in the run-up to the presidential elections.

Mercado Coca Villa Fatima

Luc Appold • 24 February 2025

Coca – The Plant with Constitutional Status

Coca is not only a traditional medicinal plant with constitutional status, it is also political - especially in difficult times. What is coca and how do the green leaves affect the lives of people in Bolivia.

Luc Appold • 18 February 2025

348 - The Bolivian Gender Violence Controversy

For over 10 years, Law 348 in Bolivia has been intended to protect women from violence to a very large extent. The reality shows that Bolivian women are still at high risk of becoming victims of violence. The law that is supposed to help against this does not seem to provide sufficient relief. On the contrary: even some women speak out against 348. What's going on?

Luc Appold • 3 December 2024

»Völkermord sollte Pflichtthema im Unterricht sein«

Im Interview mit zenith spricht Mercan Kentel über die Anerkennung des Völkermords an den Armeniern, Graue Wölfe in Kreuzberger Läden und einen Mord, der sich einst in der Berliner Hardenbergstraße ereignete.

Luc Appold • 14 November 2024

»Das würde die Arabische Halbinsel enger an Ostafrika anbinden«

Handelsökonom Julian Hinz über die tatsächlichen Kosten der Huthi-Angriffe im Roten Meer, einen Transportkorridor durch den Irak und eine Brücke zwischen Dschibuti und Jemen.

Luc Appold • 5 November 2024

»Beide finanzieren ihren Nachschub mit Goldexporten«

Der Politikwissenschaftler und ehemalige UN-Sondergesandter Volker Perthes spricht im Interview über Schachzüge der wichtigsten Akteure im Sudan – und warum es sich rächen wird, den Krieg und dessen Folgen zu unterschätzen.

Luc Appold und Lara Farag • 12 September 2024

»Die Siedler von gestern sind die Minister von heute«

Wie es zum politischen Aufstieg der extremen Rechte in Israel kam und was es für einen Frieden braucht – darüber diskutierten drei Israelis gemeinsam mit pro-palästinensischen Aktivisten in Berlin.

Luc Appold • 27 September 2023

Nachgefragt vom 24. September – Gewalt gegen Kommunalpolitiker – radio aktiv

In dieser Sondersendung hat sich Luc Appold mit dem Thema „Gewalt gegen Kommunalpolitiker“ beschäftigt. Auch hier im Landkreis Hameln-Pyrmont erleben Menschen, die ehrenamtlich Politik machen, Gewalt.

Luc Appold • 30 June 2024

Occupation on the Street: The Shoeshiners of La Paz

In the bustling streets of La Paz, Bolivia, shoeshiners—Lustracalzados—occupy more than just a profession; they claim space, identity, and resilience. From union-led negotiations to the silent struggles behind their balaclavas, this story unveils the complexities of a trade shaped by migration, economic shifts, and deep-rooted social perceptions. But as sneakers replace polished shoes and economic challenges mount, what does the future hold for this centuries-old craft?

This article was published in the second issue of Perspective (June 2024), the magazine of the Association of Foreign Affairs Lund (UPF).

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