Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Rodrigo Paz Sworn In as Bolivia’s President, Ending MAS’s Two-Decade Rule

He inherits a battered economy without a legislative majority.

Overview

  • Paz took the oath at the Legislative Assembly in La Paz, with Vice President Edman Lara administering the ceremony.
  • Presidents Javier Milei, Gabriel Boric, Daniel Noboa, Santiago Peña and Yamandú Orsi attended along with a U.S. delegation led by Christopher Landau and senior European representatives.
  • Bolivian authorities deployed more than 1,800 police officers and multiple security rings around Plaza Murillo for the transfer of power.
  • The MAS party expelled outgoing president Luis Arce, accused him of diverting party funds and said it will ask the Public Ministry to open investigations; Arce did not attend the ceremony.
  • Paz pledged to reopen Bolivia to global partners and pursue gradual economic adjustments as inflation nears 18–19%, fuel and dollar shortages persist and his party holds about 39% of seats; the new government has discussed a $3.1 billion credit with CAF.