The center-right senator Rodrigo Paz was elected president of Bolivia after winning the second round of elections held on Sunday (19), defeating conservative Jorge “Tuto” Quiroga. The information was disclosed by Agência Brasil based on official data from the Bolivian electoral tribunal and reports from Reuters and Telesur. Paz obtained 54.5% of the votes, against 45.5% for Quiroga, with 97% of the ballot boxes counted.
The victory ends nearly two decades of dominance by the Movement for Socialism (MAS), founded by Evo Morales, and consolidates a political transition amid the country’s worst economic crisis in years. Although elected president, Paz will not have a legislative majority, forcing him to form alliances to govern. The inauguration is scheduled for November 8.
Victory speech and promises of international openness
In his speech after the results were confirmed, in La Paz, Rodrigo Paz stated: “We need to open Bolivia to the world,” signaling a clear shift in Bolivian foreign policy after years of alignment with Russia and China. Quiroga quickly acknowledged the defeat.
The new president also promised a balance between fiscal responsibility and social programs, advocating for an economy less dependent on the State. “We will try to build an economy for the people, in which the State is not the central axis,” he declared in an interview with Reuters before the election.
At the end of September, Paz revealed negotiations for a $1.5 billion economic cooperation agreement with U.S. authorities to ensure fuel supplies, representing a diplomatic realignment with Washington.
Political change after nearly 20 years of MAS
Rodrigo Paz’s election marks a significant shift in Bolivia’s political landscape. Since 2006, the country has been predominantly governed by the MAS, supported by its indigenous base and policies featuring strong state involvement in the economy. Paz’s campaign adopted a moderate tone, promising to preserve social gains while promoting private sector incentives and regional fiscal autonomy.
Jorge Quiroga, by contrast, advocated austerity measures, public spending cuts, and dialogue with the IMF. Paz’s more gradualist approach attracted left-wing voters dissatisfied with the MAS without fully embracing the neoliberal agenda.
Trajectory marked by political heritage and controversies
Born in 1967 in Santiago de Compostela, Spain, while his family was in exile, Rodrigo Paz is the son of former president Jaime Paz Zamora (1989-1993), accused of corruption and ties to drug trafficking but never convicted. At age 12, he survived a traumatic incident when his father was the sole survivor of an alleged aerial attack.
His political career includes a term as a deputy since 2002, service as a councilor, and mayor of Tarija from 2010 to 2020, a period marred by allegations of overpricing and management failures. In the last five years, he has been a senator for the Comunidade Cidadã alliance, led by Carlos Mesa.
Alliances, social media, and social challenges
Paz’s first-round performance was boosted by his running mate, Edman Lara, a former police officer and popular social media figure, particularly on TikTok, where he exposed corruption cases. Lara was expelled from the National Police in 2024 following a disciplinary process.
The new government will face resistance from social and union movements. The Bolivian Workers’ Central (COB), the country’s main union, warned it will react to any attempt to roll back labor and social gains. Indigenous organizations have also signaled they will launch a “new stage of resistance” to defend national sovereignty.
Economic challenges and governability in question
Lacking a congressional majority, Rodrigo Paz will need to negotiate with various political forces to pass reforms. Bolivia grapples with rising inflation, declining international reserves, and fuel shortages. Paz’s proposals include tax incentives for small businesses, attracting foreign investment, and decentralizing resources to regional governments.
Experts warn that governability will hinge on the new president’s ability to balance internal pressures, social demands, and the need for economic recovery.
Source: brasil247.com