International Desk (EFE).- Centrist politician Rodrigo Paz Pereira was sworn in on Saturday as Bolivia’s new president for a five-year term, marking the end of two decades of left-wing rule, and pledging to confront what he described as a deep economic and social crisis.
The inauguration ceremony took place before lawmakers and foreign delegations in La Paz, with Paz receiving 54.96% of the vote in the second round election on Oct. 19.
Paz, born in Santiago de Compostela in 1967 due to his parents’ exile, took power from the Movimiento al Socialismo (MAS), which governed Bolivia under former President Evo Morales (2006–2019) and Luis Arce (2020–2025). Both former presidents were absent from the ceremony.
“The country we are receiving is devastated,” Paz said in his first address. “We are left with a broken economy, the lowest international reserves in 30 years, inflation, shortages, debt, and distrust.”
He accused previous governments of mismanaging Bolivia’s natural resources. “Where is the gas? Where is the lithium?” he asked, referencing the failed “sea of gas” announcements and delayed lithium industrialization projects. “They betrayed the country, and the poorest paid the price.”
Foreign presidents in attendance included Argentina’s Javier Milei, Chile’s Gabriel Boric, Ecuador’s Daniel Noboa, Paraguay’s Santiago Peña, and Uruguay’s Yamandú Orsi, alongside United States Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau.
Spain was represented by the Congress President Francina Armengol and EU Vice President Teresa Ribera
Paz vowed to “open Bolivia to the world, except to those who do not have democracy,” in a pointed reference to the absence of delegations from Venezuela, Cuba, and Nicaragua.
Economic crisis and policy agenda
Bolivia faces fuel shortages, rising food prices, debt pressures, and a weakening currency. Long lines for diesel and gasoline have become routine.
“We have a state that is paralyzed by bureaucracy,” Paz said. “Markets are empty, salaries are not enough.”
He reiterated campaign promises of what he called “capitalism for everyone,” including cheaper loans for small businesses, tax reductions, and import tariff cuts on technology and vehicles.
He said the government had already begun emergency fuel import operations.
During his speech, state television split the screen to show fuel tankers entering the country. “We promised the people that these cursed lines will end,” he said.
Alongside Paz, former police captain Edmand Lara was sworn in as vice president.
Wearing his formal police uniform, Lara pledged a government that “will not discriminate” and said social movements “will always be welcome.”
Lara rose to prominence on TikTok for denouncing alleged corruption inside the police force before being expelled from the institution.
He thanked the regional presidents present and sent greetings to El Salvador’s Nayib Bukele, who did not attend.
A personal and symbolic return
Paz also reflected on his childhood in exile, recalling time spent in Argentina, Chile, Ecuador, and Spain. “10 nations sheltered my family,” he said. “This is a Bolivia that opens to the world again. Never again a Bolivia be isolated or turned inward.”
He grew emotional while thanking his parents, including former Bolivian president Jaime Paz Zamora (1989–1993), and his wife and children.
“Everything ahead of us will be better than the past,” Paz said. “We are the present and the future.” EFE
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