Rodrigo Paz wins Bolivia presidential runoff, first conservative leader in decades
Rodrigo Paz, a centrist senator, has emerged as Bolivia’s next president, according to early results on Sunday, signaling a historic political shift after nearly two decades under the Movement Toward Socialism (MAS) party amid the country’s most severe economic crisis in decades. Paz captured 54.5% of the vote in the runoff, surpassing former right-wing President Jorge “Tuto” Quiroga, who received 45.5%, with officials describing the trend as decisive.
Paz and his running mate, former police Captain Edman Lara, drew strong support from rural and working-class voters frustrated by soaring inflation and a critical shortage of U.S. dollars that disrupted food and fuel supplies. While MAS faced historic losses in the August elections due to internal divisions and public dissatisfaction, voters appeared wary of Quiroga’s radical economic proposals, including a potential IMF bailout. Paz, whose Christian Democratic Party holds a slim congressional majority, aims to phase out fuel subsidies, end Bolivia’s fixed exchange rate, and reduce public spending while carefully implementing market-oriented reforms to avoid triggering a sharp recession or inflation spike.
Celebrations erupted in La Paz as supporters poured into the streets, setting off fireworks and honking car horns. Paz, flanked by his family, promised a government focused on solutions and renewal. Quiroga conceded quickly, urging calm despite jeers from his audience. International attention also turned to Bolivia, with the U.S. extending congratulations and expressing interest in renewed cooperation on economic stability, private-sector growth, and security.
Despite the festive atmosphere, Bolivia faces daunting challenges. Foreign currency reserves are low, inflation has reached 23%—the highest since 1991—and fuel shortages continue to paralyze daily life. Paz plans to address these issues by combating corruption, cutting wasteful spending, and restoring confidence in the local currency, though some critics argue his proposals are vague and fiscally uncertain.
Paz, the son of former President Jaime Paz Zamora, has long held political roles but was largely unknown nationally before this election, climbing rapidly in the polls to finish first in August. His “capitalism for all” platform appealed to merchants and entrepreneurs, particularly in regions once loyal to Morales. Quiroga, in contrast, drew support from Bolivia’s wealthier eastern lowlands, highlighting the class divide between the candidates.
The campaign took an unexpected turn with Lara as Paz’s running mate. The ex-police officer and social media figure brought a youthful, grassroots energy to the ticket, resonating with former MAS supporters while sometimes complicating Paz’s campaign messaging. Despite not appearing at the La Paz headquarters on Sunday, Lara called for unity and reconciliation.
Paz is scheduled to take office on November 8, inheriting the daunting task of stabilizing an economy in crisis while navigating the first major conservative leadership Bolivia has seen in decades.
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