Rodrigo Paz wins Bolivia election, marking a historic shift in the nation’s political landscape. The centrist senator triumphed in Sunday’s presidential runoff against right-wing former president Jorge “Tuto” Quiroga, ending two decades of dominance by the leftist Movement Toward Socialism (MAS) party.
Preliminary results from the Supreme Electoral Tribunal showed Paz with 54% of the vote compared to Quiroga’s 45%, a decisive margin that triggered celebrations in the streets of La Paz.
“The trend is irreversible,” said Óscar Hassenteufel, the tribunal’s president, confirming Paz’s victory as final tallies came in.
A Victory Fueled by Discontent
Paz’s win reflects deep frustration among Bolivians over economic decline, high inflation, and political stagnation after 20 years under MAS rule. His message of moderation, renewal, and reform resonated with a population seeking stability without extreme ideological shifts.
At a jubilant rally in La Paz, Paz stood alongside his wife, María Helena Urquidi, and four children. “Today, Bolivia can be certain that this will be a government that brings solutions,” he told cheering supporters. “Bolivia breathes winds of change and renewal to move forward.”
Quiroga Concedes After Tight Campaign
In a somber address, Quiroga conceded defeat and congratulated Paz. “I’ve called Rodrigo Paz to wish him success,” he said, urging calm among his supporters and warning against claims of fraud that could “leave the country hanging.”
Though some in Quiroga’s camp shouted protests, his concession underscored a desire to preserve democratic stability amid Bolivia’s tense political climate.
Centrist Path Between Left and Right
Throughout the campaign, Rodrigo Paz wins Bolivia election became a rallying cry for voters seeking a middle ground between MAS’s heavy state spending and Quiroga’s market-driven austerity.
Paz’s running mate, former police captain Edman Lara, brought populist energy to the ticket. Together, they built a coalition that spanned working-class neighborhoods, rural communities, and moderate urban voters.
Paz promised to dismantle key aspects of MAS’s economic model — such as the fixed exchange rate, generous fuel subsidies, and large public spending — while protecting social benefits for low-income Bolivians. His cautious, step-by-step approach appealed to citizens weary of radical economic experiments.
Economic Storm Awaits
Paz’s biggest challenge lies ahead. Bolivia’s economy is in crisis, plagued by soaring prices, a severe U.S. dollar shortage, and paralyzing fuel lines that stretch for days.
Inflation reached 23%, the highest since 1991, while the country’s foreign reserves have dwindled to historic lows.
Paz pledged to avoid International Monetary Fund (IMF) intervention — a stance popular with many Bolivians who still remember the hardships of 1990s-era structural reforms. Instead, he aims to restore confidence in Bolivia’s currency, fight corruption, and reduce wasteful spending.
“We will bring back trust and rebuild this country from within,” Paz said. “Every Bolivian peso will count.”
Critics Question His Fiscal Plan
Not everyone is convinced that Paz’s approach is sustainable. Some economists warn that his promises — gradual subsidy cuts paired with continued welfare programs — may strain public finances.
“It sounds good politically but doesn’t add up fiscally,” said Rodrigo Tribeño, a Quiroga voter from Santa Cruz. “We needed a real, disciplined plan to fix the crisis.”
Political analyst Verónica Rocha agrees, noting that Paz must balance reform with social peace. “His victory gives him legitimacy, but economic pain could quickly erode support if inflation spikes or subsidies vanish too fast,” she said.
An Outsider with Political Roots
Though Paz carries a famous last name — his father Jaime Paz Zamora was president from 1989 to 1993 — he was viewed as a political outsider at the start of the race. A seasoned lawmaker and former mayor, Paz’s centrist Christian Democratic Party surged unexpectedly in the first round of voting.
His slogan, “Capitalism for all,” attracted entrepreneurs and informal workers alike. The party won six of Bolivia’s nine departments, including the industrial hub of Cochabamba and much of the Andean highlands, where MAS once held strongholds.
Quiroga, meanwhile, dominated the wealthier eastern regions such as Santa Cruz, the nation’s agricultural powerhouse. The class divide between Paz’s and Quiroga’s voters highlighted Bolivia’s enduring economic disparities.
The Edman Lara Phenomenon
A major factor behind why Rodrigo Paz wins Bolivia election is the charisma of his running mate, Edman Lara. A former police captain turned anti-corruption crusader, Lara became a viral sensation on TikTok after exposing misconduct within the police.
After being fired, Lara sold second-hand clothes and practiced law to help whistleblowers — a story that resonated deeply with working-class and younger Bolivians.
His fiery campaign style often forced Paz to moderate his message. While critics saw him as impulsive, many voters viewed Lara’s bluntness as authenticity.
On election night, Lara struck an unexpectedly conciliatory tone. “It’s time to unite and reconcile,” he told supporters. “Political divisions are over. Bolivia must move forward together.”
Challenges and Opportunities
Paz enters office with a slight majority in Congress, giving him some political breathing room to pass reforms. Yet he must also build bridges with opposition parties and regional leaders skeptical of his centrist agenda.
Economically, analysts expect him to focus on stabilizing the currency, securing fuel imports, and easing inflation before pushing structural reforms.
Socially, he will need to manage expectations among the poor, who still rely on MAS-era welfare programs. Any perceived rollback could trigger protests similar to those that toppled previous governments.
A Nation in Transition
Supporters flooded La Paz’s streets with fireworks, horns, and chants of “The people united will never be defeated.” Many saw Paz’s victory as not just political change but a generational shift.
“We feel victorious,” said volunteer Roger Carrillo. “This is the start of something new. We know it will be hard work, but we finally have hope again.”
As Paz prepares to take office, his success will depend on balancing reform with restraint — reviving growth without repeating the economic turmoil of the past.
His victory ends an era defined by Evo Morales and the MAS movement but begins an uncertain chapter for Bolivia’s democracy and economy.
If Rodrigo Paz wins Bolivia election marked the easy part, governing a deeply divided, struggling nation may be far harder.
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