Rodrigo Paz sworn in as Bolivia’s president, ending nearly 20 years of Movement Toward Socialism rule

LA PAZ, Bolivia — Rodrigo Paz sworn in as president

Conservative leader Rodrigo Paz, 58, was sworn in as Bolivia’s president on Saturday, marking the end of almost two decades of dominance by the Movement Toward Socialism (MAS) party.

Paz took the oath of office before lawmakers and foreign dignitaries, raising his right hand over a Bible and a cross. “God, country, and family, I do swear,” he declared before receiving the presidential sash and medals.

Economic crisis and expectations

The inauguration has raised hopes among Bolivians exhausted by severe fuel shortages, soaring food prices and what officials describe as the country’s worst economic crisis in 40 years. In a surprise to many observers, Paz defeated the better-known right-wing candidate, former President Jorge “Tuto” Quiroga, in October’s runoff.

Paz inherits an economy weakened after 20 years of MAS rule under former President Evo Morales. The party prospered during the commodities boom of the early 2000s, but natural gas exports have slowed and a statist economic model of heavy subsidies and a fixed exchange rate has faltered. With U.S. dollars in short supply and recurring fuel scarcities, many voters backed Paz hoping he could restore stability.

“The country we inherited is devastated … morally and materially indebted, with endless lines for fuel and empty markets,” Paz said in his first address. “Bolivia is rejoining the world, never again isolated. Never again will the country be held hostage by an ideology; ideology doesn’t put food on the table.”

Policy direction and international engagement

Paz campaigned for major reforms but stressed a more gradual approach than Quiroga, who favored an International Monetary Fund bailout and rapid fiscal shock measures. After his Oct. 20 victory, Paz distanced Bolivia from the ALBA bloc (which includes Cuba, Nicaragua and Venezuela) and moved to restore closer ties with the United States, from which Bolivia had drifted after the 2008 expulsion of the U.S. ambassador under Morales.

He has opened talks with international financial institutions and secured an initial agreement with the Andean Development Corporation for a $3.1 billion loan intended to support economic recovery over the coming years. Paz has also said his administration will cooperate with international security organizations, including the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, which was expelled from Bolivia in 2008.

Politics at home

Domestically, Paz faces the challenge of building alliances: his Christian Democratic Party controls only 39% of the 166-seat Legislative Assembly, meaning coalition-building will be essential to pass reforms. “We haven’t been handed a throne, but a task,” Paz said. “This is the time for true democracy and respect for the law; no one is above the law. We will overcome that disgraceful and shameful past.”

Regional response

The inauguration drew several regional leaders to La Paz, including Argentina’s Javier Milei, Chile’s Gabriel Boric, Ecuador’s Daniel Noboa, Uruguay’s Yamandú Orsi and Paraguay’s Santiago Peña, underlining the international interest in Bolivia’s political and economic trajectory.

Outlook: Paz enters office with international goodwill and some immediate financial lifelines, but he will need political skill and timely economic results to maintain support and navigate Bolivia out of a deep economic crisis.