Centrist Rodrigo Paz Wins Bolivian Election

Bolivia has elected centrist senator Rodrigo Paz as its new president, bringing an end to almost 20 years of dominance by the leftist Movement for Socialism (Mas) party. With nearly all votes counted, Paz, representing the Christian Democratic Party, won Sunday’s run-off with 54.6%, defeating right-wing candidate Jorge «Tuto» Quiroga, who secured 45.4%.

Widespread economic hardship and infighting within Mas fuelled a strong desire for change among voters. The party, which has shaped Bolivian politics since 2006, failed to make it into the final round.

Paz, 58, ran on a centrist platform, appealing to disillusioned voters seeking reform without endorsing Quiroga’s conservative stance. In his victory speech, he promised to end fuel shortages, stabilise the economy, attract foreign investment, and promote private-sector growth.

Supporters flooded the streets of La Paz to celebrate.

«We came to celebrate the victory with great hope of a new direction for Bolivia,» one told AFP.

Economic Challenges Ahead

Bolivia faces severe shortages of fuel and US dollars, long queues at petrol stations, and surging inflation. The country’s gas exports, once a key source of income, have also declined sharply.

Paz’s campaign slogan, «capitalism for all», reflected his pledge to combine free-market policies with social support for the poorest. He vowed to expand access to credit for small businesses, reduce certain taxes and import tariffs, combat corruption, and decentralise government.

He also plans to phase out fuel subsidies, calling them unsustainable. Though subsidies have kept prices low, they have worsened shortages by forcing the state to sell fuel below import cost.

Shifting Foreign Relations

Paz’s victory could mark a turning point in Bolivia’s foreign policy. Relations with the United States have been strained since 2008, when former president Evo Morales expelled the US ambassador and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Washington, in response to the election, said it looked forward «to partnering with President-elect Rodrigo Paz to restore economic stability and strengthen security.»

Analysts suggest Paz may seek to rebuild ties with the US while maintaining cooperation with China, Bolivia’s key trading partner and major buyer of lithium and minerals.

His running mate, former police captain Edman Lara, is popular among working-class voters for exposing police corruption and is expected to play a role in efforts to clean up public institutions.

The End of an Era

Mas’s decline followed years of internal strife between former president Evo Morales and his successor, Luis Arce. Morales, barred from running again after serving three terms, urged his supporters to spoil their ballots in protest.

For many Bolivians, Paz’s win symbolises a break from years of political stagnation. Yet he inherits a divided nation and one of South America’s most fragile economies. Restoring stability and rebuilding trust across factions will be his greatest challenge when he takes office on November 8, 2025.

Kursiv also reports that Emmanuel Macron is being accused of ruling like a monarch while relying on a parliament he can no longer control, as France’s political system teeters on the edge of paralysis.