Rodrigo Paz Wins Bolivian Presidency, Ending Nearly Two Decades of Leftist Rule

Centrist leader Rodrigo Paz wins Bolivia’s presidency, marking the end of 18 years of leftist dominance. His victory signals a political and economic shift as Bolivia faces its worst financial crisis in a generation.

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A New Era in Bolivian Politics

In a historic political shift, Rodrigo Paz, a centrist senator from the Christian Democratic Party (PDC), has been elected as Bolivia’s new president, defeating conservative challenger Jorge “Tuto” Quiroga in a tightly contested runoff.

Paz secured 54.5% of the national vote, compared to Quiroga’s 45.5%, according to early results from the country’s electoral tribunal. His victory officially ends nearly 20 years of leftist dominance under the Movement to Socialism (MAS), the party founded by former president Evo Morales.

The 58-year-old leader is set to take office on November 8, inheriting a nation mired in economic turmoil and facing widespread public frustration with the outgoing government.

The End of the MAS Era

Since 2006, Bolivia’s political landscape has been shaped by MAS — a leftist movement rooted in Indigenous rights and socialist economic policies. The party rose to power under Evo Morales, Bolivia’s first Indigenous president, who governed for 14 years and enjoyed immense early popularity.

However, years of economic stagnation, corruption scandals, and declining natural gas revenues eroded MAS’s base of support. By the time of the August first-round election, the party’s once-commanding influence had collapsed.

“This election marks a political turning point,” said Glaeldys González Calanche, a regional analyst at the International Crisis Group. “Bolivia is heading in a new direction after almost two decades of leftist rule. It’s a moment of both uncertainty and opportunity.”

Who Is Rodrigo Paz?

Rodrigo Paz is no stranger to Bolivian politics. The son of former president Jaime Paz Zamora, he has built a reputation as a pragmatic centrist — blending social awareness with market-friendly policies.

As a senator representing the Christian Democratic Party, Paz cultivated support among both moderate conservatives and reform-minded progressives. His message of “economic renewal without exclusion” resonated with voters seeking stability after years of political polarization.

“We’re going to build an economy for the people,” Paz told reporters in the southern region of Tarija, where he hails from. “The state will no longer be the central axis — it’s time for a partnership between government, business, and communities.”

A Campaign Built on Balance

Paz’s campaign sought to walk a fine line between continuity and change. He pledged to maintain key social programs established under MAS — including rural education, healthcare, and poverty-reduction initiatives — but promised to replace the state-centered economic model with one focused on private investment and fiscal responsibility.

His moderate stance attracted left-leaning voters disillusioned with the ruling party but wary of Quiroga’s proposal for sweeping austerity and a potential IMF bailout.

Meanwhile, Quiroga, a former president himself, campaigned on cutting public spending and restoring foreign investor confidence — policies that raised fears of a return to the painful economic adjustments of the 1990s.

In contrast, Paz positioned himself as a reformer, not a radical. “We will fix what is broken, but we will not destroy what has worked,” he said repeatedly throughout the campaign.

The Economy at the Center of the Election

Bolivia’s deepening economic crisis dominated the election. The once-booming natural gas industry, which funded much of MAS’s social spending, has declined sharply. Exports have plummeted, inflation has hit a 40-year high, and fuel shortages have triggered long queues across the country.

Both candidates promised to reform the system, but differed on how aggressively to do so. Paz proposed gradual reforms, including targeted tax incentives for small businesses, promoting regional fiscal autonomy, and investing in renewable energy to diversify the economy.

Quiroga, on the other hand, campaigned on immediate cuts to state subsidies and a quick return to international financial institutions for emergency funding.

Analysts say Paz’s approach — cautious but confident — reassured voters wary of repeating the economic collapses of the early 2000s.

The U.S. Connection and a New Foreign Policy

For the first time in years, both presidential candidates emphasized the importance of rebuilding diplomatic ties with the United States, which had been strained since 2009 under Morales’ anti-U.S. rhetoric.

In late September, Paz unveiled an ambitious $1.5 billion economic cooperation proposal with Washington to secure energy supplies and attract investment in infrastructure and technology.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio praised the renewed openness, saying, “Both candidates want stronger, better relations with the United States. This election represents a transformative opportunity for Bolivia and the region.”

The move marks a strategic pivot away from Bolivia’s previous alliances with Venezuela, Cuba, and China, signaling a potential realignment in South America’s geopolitical balance.

Public Mood: Change and Caution

Across Bolivia, voters expressed both hope and skepticism about the new president.

“My children were born and raised under one government,” said Lourdes Mendoza, a 42-year-old teacher in La Paz. “I want them to see other possibilities. Maybe this is the change we need.”

Others, however, remained doubtful that Paz represented a clean break from the old political order. “I think he’s a puppet of the outgoing government,” said Esther Miranda, a 21-year-old nail salon worker in La Paz.

Despite those mixed feelings, most voters agreed that the country could no longer afford political paralysis. The high voter turnout in the runoff — compared to declining participation in recent years — reflected a population eager for tangible results.

Running Mate’s Populist Appeal

Much of Paz’s success has been attributed to his running mate, Edman Lara, a former police officer turned social media influencer. Lara gained nationwide fame through viral TikTok videos exposing corruption and advocating for law enforcement reform.

His populist charm helped the campaign reach younger and working-class voters, many of whom had disengaged from traditional politics. Lara’s authenticity and humor balanced Paz’s more technocratic image, creating a dynamic political duo that appealed to a broad electorate.

“Lara connected emotionally with voters in a way few Bolivian politicians can,” said political analyst Silvia Ramos. “He turned digital activism into real-world momentum.”

The Challenges Ahead

Paz faces a steep uphill climb once in office. His party, the Christian Democratic Party, won 49 of 130 seats in the lower house and 16 of 36 seats in the Senate — short of a governing majority. Quiroga’s coalition, by contrast, controls 43 lower-house seats and 12 Senate seats.

This fractured legislature means Paz will need to forge coalitions to pass key reforms, a task that may test his centrist credentials.

Economists warn that the new administration’s first challenge will be to stabilize fuel supplies and prevent further inflation. Outgoing Hydrocarbons Minister Alejandro Gallardo confirmed that the state-owned energy company was struggling to obtain foreign currency for imports.

Paz has already said he is negotiating deferred payment agreements with suppliers to ensure a steady flow of diesel and gasoline.

Phasing Out Fuel Subsidies

One of Paz’s most delicate policy goals will be restructuring Bolivia’s fuel subsidies, a politically explosive issue that has triggered protests in the past.

He has pledged to phase out universal subsidies in favor of targeted assistance for vulnerable communities. Larger industries, such as agriculture and manufacturing, will be required to pay market-based fuel prices.

“The market must adjust gradually,” Paz explained. “But we will protect the sectors that need time to adapt — families, small businesses, and public transportation.”

This approach, he said, will prevent fiscal collapse while avoiding the social unrest that has toppled past governments.

Labor Unions and Social Tensions

The Central Obrera Boliviana (COB), the country’s most powerful labor union, has already warned that it will oppose any rollback of the social and economic gains achieved under MAS.

Union leaders fear that reducing subsidies could worsen poverty and inequality. While Paz has met privately with COB representatives to ease tensions, maintaining peace between the government and organized labor will be one of his administration’s most critical balancing acts.

“Paz will need political skill and empathy to prevent the streets from turning against him,” said sociologist Hernán Vargas. “Bolivia’s history shows that even popular leaders can fall quickly if they lose the trust of the workers.”

International Reactions: Optimism With Caution

The international community has reacted positively to Paz’s victory, viewing it as a stabilizing moment for Bolivia after years of political upheaval.

Regional leaders from Chile, Brazil, and Peru congratulated him on his win, while the European Union released a statement praising Bolivia’s “peaceful democratic transition.”

At the same time, foreign investors are cautiously optimistic. Bolivia’s energy potential — especially its vast lithium reserves — could make it a key player in the global renewable energy market if Paz can deliver regulatory stability.

“Bolivia is sitting on a lithium treasure,” noted energy economist Raúl Céspedes. “If managed wisely, it can lift the country out of crisis. But that requires trust and competence — two things the new government must earn.”

A Message of Moderation and Unity

In his victory speech, Paz emphasized unity and inclusion — themes that defined his campaign.

“This is not a victory for one party or one ideology,” he said before a crowd of cheering supporters in La Paz. “It is a victory for the Bolivian people who want peace, dignity, and opportunity.”

He vowed to work across party lines and govern “with dialogue, not division.” His tone marked a sharp contrast to the often combative rhetoric of previous administrations.

Looking Ahead: Reform With Restraint

Paz’s presidency represents a new experiment in moderation for a country accustomed to populist extremes.

His success will depend on whether he can strike a balance between restoring investor confidence and protecting social welfare programs that millions of Bolivians rely on.

Political observers predict his first 100 days will focus on:

Stabilizing fuel imports and preventing shortages.
Negotiating coalition agreements in Congress.
Announcing targeted tax and energy reforms.
Launching an anti-corruption initiative to reassure skeptical voters.

A Defining Moment for Bolivia

Rodrigo Paz’s victory closes one of the most significant chapters in Bolivia’s modern history. For nearly two decades, the MAS government shaped the country’s identity, blending Indigenous empowerment with socialist economics.

Now, with Paz at the helm, Bolivia enters an era defined by pragmatism, partnership, and cautious optimism.

As the country faces its toughest economic test in decades, all eyes will be on how this centrist leader navigates the crosscurrents of reform, resistance, and renewal.

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