BBC Photo: Rodrigo Paz campaigned on a promise to bring “capitalism for all” to Bolivia
Source: BBC
DST News: Bolivia has chosen centrist politician Rodrigo Paz as its new president, marking the end of almost 20 years of dominance by the socialist Movement for Socialism (MAS) party.
Paz, a 58-year-old senator from the Christian Democratic Party, won Sunday’s presidential run-off with 54.6% of the vote, defeating conservative former president Jorge “Tuto” Quiroga, who secured 45.4%. The MAS candidate failed to reach the final round, signalling a significant shift in Bolivia’s political landscape.
The victory followed years of economic decline and internal rifts within MAS, which had ruled since 2006. Paz campaigned on a platform of “capitalism for all,” pledging to revitalise the private sector, attract foreign investment, and tackle Bolivia’s pressing fuel shortages and inflation. In his victory address, he promised to open the country to international investors and stimulate sustainable growth.
Supporters filled the streets of La Paz celebrating what they described as a “new direction” for Bolivia. Quiroga conceded defeat and personally congratulated Paz.
Bolivia faces severe economic challenges, including dwindling foreign currency reserves, fuel scarcity causing long queues at petrol stations, and collapsing natural gas exports — once a key source of national income. Paz has promised to reform subsidies, which he says are unsustainable, and to make access to credit easier for small businesses, lower select taxes, reduce import tariffs, and decentralise governance.
Paz’s election may also reshape Bolivia’s foreign relations. Washington welcomed his victory, expressing hope for renewed cooperation after years of diplomatic estrangement. Relations between the US and Bolivia were severed in 2008 when then-President Evo Morales expelled the US ambassador and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Paz is expected to seek a pragmatic balance — maintaining trade with China while potentially improving ties with the US by distancing Bolivia from Venezuela and Cuba.
His running mate, former police captain Edman Lara — admired for exposing corruption and connecting with working-class voters — is credited with helping Paz win broad public support.
MAS’s decline was worsened by infighting between Morales and outgoing president Luis Arce. Morales, who ruled from 2006 to 2019, was barred from running again due to constitutional term limits. Facing allegations of misconduct — which he denies — Morales urged his supporters to spoil their ballots in protest.
For many Bolivians, Paz’s triumph reflects a yearning for political renewal and stability after years of ideological division and economic strain. However, as he prepares to take office on November 8, he faces the formidable challenge of restoring economic confidence and uniting a deeply fractured nation.
