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.
De acordo com a CNN Brasil, the inauguration was attended by leaders from various 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, a force he was part of before entering politics. Known for his anti-corruption rhetoric and popularity on social media, especially TikTok, Lara presided over the legislative session that preceded Paz’s inauguration and individually greeted the heads of state and international authorities present.
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,” stated the new president, in a symbolic gesture of respect for Andean traditions.
Break with the Past and Promises of Reconstruction
In his inaugural speech, Paz leveled harsh criticisms at the left-wing governments that ruled the country over the last 20 years. “No more an isolated Bolivia, with failed ideologies, much less a Bolivia with a sword drawn against the world,” he declared, promising a new political era.
The new president described the country he is taking over as “devastated.” “They left us a broken economy, with the lowest international reserves in 30 years. They left us inflation, shortages, devaluation, and distrust. A paralyzed state, a bureaucratic monster incapable of serving the people,” he stated.
Paz accused previous governments of squandering resources and ballooning public debt. “Was the squandering of US$ 60 billion from gas and a debt of more than US$ 40 billion, internal and external, correct? Are we a better country?” he questioned indignantly.
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 much-talked-about 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 fired off.
Despite the criticisms, the president stated that he is not seeking revenge, but rather “to learn from mistakes” to rebuild the national economy. He also announced that convoys with diesel and gasoline have started entering the country “since last night,” in response to the recent fuel supply crisis.
A New Political Cycle
Rodrigo Paz’s inauguration marks the start of a new phase in Bolivian politics, promising 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 leader —, Jeanine Áñez, and Jorge “Tuto” Quiroga.
Source: brasil247.com