Bolivia Elects Centrist Rodrigo Paz, Ending Leftist Rule

Centrist Rodrigo Paz won Bolivia's presidential runoff election, defeating conservative rival Jorge 'Tuto' Quiroga, marking a significant shift in the country's politics after nearly 20 years of leftist rule under the Movement to Socialism (MAS). Paz's moderate platform, which includes maintaining social programs while promoting private sector-led growth, resonated with voters disillusioned with MAS. The election was dominated by the country's economic crisis, with Paz pledging to strengthen diplomatic ties with the US and secure financial support to stabilize the economy. Paz's victory is seen as a turning point for Bolivia, with the new president facing immediate challenges including securing fuel supplies and building coalitions in a fragmented legislature.

Centrist senator Rodrigo Paz has won Bolivia's presidential runoff election with 54% of the vote, defeating his right-wing rival Jorge 'Tuto' Quiroga. Paz's victory marks a significant shift in Bolivian politics, ending 20 years of rule by the Movement Toward Socialism (MAS) party. Paz campaigned on a platform of economic reform, promising to end the country's fixed exchange rate, phase out fuel subsidies, and reduce public investment. However, he also pledged to maintain some of MAS's social protections and take a gradual approach to free-market reforms. Bolivia is facing a severe economic crisis, including a shortage of US dollars, high inflation, and fuel shortages. Paz's challenge will be to navigate these economic challenges while maintaining social stability.

Rodrigo Paz Pereira, a center-right senator and presidential candidate for the Christian Democratic Party (PDC), has won Bolivia's presidential runoff election with 54.6% of the vote. This marks a significant shift to the right in Bolivian politics after nearly 20 years of dominance by the leftist Movimiento al Socialismo (Mas) party. Paz Pereira's victory is attributed to his campaign promises of 'popular capitalism,' low-interest loans for small entrepreneurs, and his running mate's popularity, former police captain Edman 'Capt' Lara Montaño, known for exposing corruption within the police force. The election was notable for being the first time since 2005 that no Mas candidate was on the ballot, due to a bitter feud between Mas leaders and the country's deep economic crisis. Paz Pereira faces challenges including a fragmented Congress and addressing the economic crisis, inflation, and shortages. He has expressed a desire to build a close relationship with the US government under Donald Trump.