Background on Rodrigo Paz and His Political Stance
Rodrigo Paz, a 58-year-old centrist economist, won the Bolivian presidential election on October 18th with 54.5% of the votes, defeating former right-wing president Jorge Quiroga. Paz will assume the presidency on November 8th, pledging to reintegrate Bolivia into the international community after years of closer ties with left-leaning nations like Venezuela, Cuba, Nicaragua, and Russia.
Severed U.S.-Bolivia Relations Under Evo Morales
During the tenure of former president Evo Morales, who governed from 2006 to 2019, relations between Bolivia and the United States deteriorated. In 2008, Morales accused the U.S. of supporting a right-wing conspiracy to divide Bolivia, leading to the expulsion of the U.S. ambassador Philip Goldberg and the removal of DEA and USAID agencies from Bolivian soil. The U.S. denied these allegations and responded with reciprocal expulsions, resulting in a breakdown of diplomatic ties between the two nations.
Paz’s Initiatives to Mend U.S. Relations
Paz has already initiated contact with Christopher Landau, the U.S. Under Secretary of State for Civilian Security, Diplomatic Engagement, and Consular Affairs. Paz aims to reestablish ties with the U.S. and other friendly nations, such as Brazil, Uruguay, Paraguay, and Argentina, to address Bolivia’s current economic crisis. The country faces severe shortages of foreign currency, which has led to fuel subsidies and shortages under the current government of Luis Arce.
Economic Challenges and Paz’s Proposed Solutions
Bolivia is grappling with its worst economic crisis in four decades, exacerbated by a lack of U.S. dollars. The government under Luis Arce has depleted foreign exchange reserves to maintain fuel subsidies, causing shortages and long lines at gas stations. Paz aims to collaborate with the international community to restore fuel supplies once he takes office.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is Rodrigo Paz? Rodrigo Paz is a 58-year-old centrist economist who won the Bolivian presidential election on October 18th, pledging to reintegrate the country into the international community.
- Why were U.S.-Bolivia relations strained under Evo Morales? Relations deteriorated in 2008 when Evo Morales accused the U.S. of supporting a right-wing conspiracy to divide Bolivia, leading to the expulsion of the U.S. ambassador and removal of DEA and USAID agencies.
- What are Paz’s plans to address Bolivia’s economic crisis? Paz aims to collaborate with the U.S. and other friendly nations to resolve Bolivia’s foreign currency shortage, which has led to fuel subsidies and shortages.
- What challenges does Paz face in implementing his policies? Paz must act swiftly to address public concerns and overcome skepticism from some economists who doubt the effectiveness of his gradual approach.
