Rodrigo Paz Pereira was sworn in this Saturday (8) as the new president of Bolivia, alongside Edmand Lara, who assumes the role of vice-president. The ceremony held in Plaza Murillo, in La Paz, marked the end of nearly two decades of political hegemony by the Bolivian left, led by Evo Morales and, more recently, by Luis Arce.
According to CNN Brasil, the inauguration was attended by leaders from several South American countries, including Javier Milei (Argentina), Gabriel Boric (Chile), Daniel Noboa (Ecuador), Santiago Peña (Paraguay), and Yamandú Orsi (Uruguay). Brazil was represented by Vice-President Geraldo Alckmin.
Inauguration Ceremony and Tributes
Vice-President Edmand Lara was the first to arrive at Plaza Murillo, wearing the gala uniform of the Bolivian Police, the force in which he served before entering politics. Known for his anti-corruption rhetoric and popularity on social media, especially TikTok, Lara presided over the legislative session prior to Paz’s inauguration and greeted the heads of state and international authorities present individually.
Rodrigo Paz arrived at the Legislative Assembly in formal attire, accompanied by family members and supporters. In his oath, he thanked Pachamama (Mother Earth) for the rain falling in La Paz at the time of the ceremony. “She is performing a purification, she is blessing us. And this means it’s a good time, it’s a good omen,” said the new president, in a symbolic gesture of respect for Andean traditions.
Speech of Rupture and Promises of Reconstruction
In his inauguration speech, Paz harshly criticized the left-wing governments that have led the country over the past 20 years. “No more an isolated Bolivia, with failed ideologies, much less a Bolivia brandishing a sword in the world,” he declared, promising a new political era.
The new president described the country he receives as “devastated.” “They left us with a broken economy, with the lowest international reserves in 30 years. They left us with inflation, shortages, devaluation, and disrepute. A paralyzed state, a bureaucratic monster incapable of serving the people,” he stated.
Paz accused previous governments of wasting resources and increasing public debt. “Was it right to misuse $60 billion in gas and a debt of more than $40 billion, domestic and external? Are we a better country?” he questioned indignantly.
A Direct Message to Evo Morales and Luis Arce
In one of the harshest moments of his speech, Paz addressed his predecessors directly. “Where is the so-called sea of gas they promised us? They said Bolivia would have a sea of gas, remember? Evo, where is the lithium? Arce, where is the lithium?” he exclaimed.
Despite the criticisms, the president stated that he seeks no revenge, but rather to “learn from mistakes” to rebuild the national economy. He also announced that convoys with diesel and gasoline have begun entering the country “since last night,” in response to the recent fuel shortage crisis.
A New Political Cycle
Rodrigo Paz’s inauguration marks the beginning of a new phase in Bolivian politics, with the promise of a centrist government focused on economic recovery. The event was attended by former presidents of the country, such as Jaime Paz Zamora—father of the new president—Jeanine Áñez, and Jorge “Tuto” Quiroga.
Source: brasil247.com