Rodrigo Paz Pereira
On October 19, 2025, Rodrigo Paz Pereira made history by winning Bolivia's first-ever presidential runoff election, securing 54.5% of the vote against conservative rival Jorge "Tuto" Quiroga. This decisive victory marks the end of nearly two decades of socialist rule under the Movement Toward Socialism party and signals a dramatic political transformation for the South American nation.
Rodrigo Paz Pereira's ascent to the presidency represents one of the most stunning political upsets in recent Latin American history. A relatively unknown senator from Tarija, Paz defied pre-election polls that placed him in third place, instead surging to first position in the initial voting round with 32% of the vote. His unexpected rise resonated with Bolivians exhausted by their country's deepest economic crisis in four decades, characterized by soaring inflation approaching 25%, critical shortages of fuel and U.S. dollars, and widespread economic stagnation.
At 58 years old, Paz became the third member of his extended family to lead Bolivia, following in the footsteps of his father, former President Jaime Paz Zamora, who governed from 1989 to 1993. Paz is the son of former president Jaime Paz Zamora and the great-nephew of Víctor Paz Estenssoro, the very one who signed the decree that inaugurated four decades of privatization and fiscal adjustment. The historical circle seems to be closing. Although the new leader’s discourse presents itself as “moderate and open to dialogue,” some economists warn that his policies already outline a return to market logic.
However, unlike his father's leftist radical origins, Rodrigo Paz has positioned himself as a pragmatic centrist, promising a "capitalism for all" approach that balances free-market reforms with continued social spending.
Early Life and Education
Rodrigo Paz Pereira was born on September 22, 1967, in Santiago de Compostela, Spain, during his family's political exile. His father, Jaime Paz Zamora, was a founder and leader of the Revolutionary Left Movement who opposed Bolivia's military dictatorships of the 1970s and early 1980s. His mother, Carmen Pereira Carballo, is a native of Spain.
Paz's childhood was marked by constant movement and political uncertainty. He spent his formative years in political exile, studying at numerous Jesuit schools across several countries. This international exposure during his youth would later inform his worldview and diplomatic approach. When democracy was restored to Bolivia, the family returned, and Paz attended the prestigious San Ignacio School in La Paz.
Paz pursued higher education in the United States, attending American University in Washington, D.C., where he earned a bachelor's degree in international relations with a major in economics, followed by a master's degree in political management. This American education would prove instrumental in shaping his economic philosophy and approach to governance.
During the presidency of Hugo Banzer, whose government received support from his father's Revolutionary Left Movement, Paz served as a commercial attaché at the Bolivian embassy in Spain and later as chargé d'affaires to the World Trade Organization. This diplomatic experience provided him with valuable insights into international trade and economic policy.
Political Career
Paz entered politics in 2002 as a member of the Chamber of Deputies, representing Tarija's circumscription 49 on behalf of his father's Revolutionary Left Movement. He won his seat with a comfortable majority in what was considered a stronghold for the party. Despite the collapse of Bolivia's traditional party system during this turbulent period, Paz managed to maintain his political career.
From 2005 to 2010, when the MIR's influence waned, Paz successfully ran for re-election representing circumscription 46 in alliance with Social Democratic Power, led by Jorge Quiroga—who would ironically become his opponent in the 2025 presidential runoff.
After the Revolutionary Left Movement lost its national registration in 2006, Paz joined United to Renew (UNIR). From 2010 to 2015, he served as president of the Tarija Municipal Council under Mayor Oscar Montes, gaining valuable executive experience in local government.
In 2015, Paz was elected mayor of Tarija with an impressive 60% of the vote, demonstrating his growing popularity and political acumen. As mayor, he focused on infrastructure development and municipal governance reform. However, his tenure was not without controversy—he later faced allegations regarding irregularities related to a bridge project contracted during his administration.
In 2016, Paz broke with UNIR and Oscar Montes, launching his own political project aimed at "rescuing the great Mirista root" of his father's party. This move was controversial and led to accusations that he was trying to rebuild the Revolutionary Left Movement at UNIR's expense.
In 2019, he established the civic group "First the People" (Primero la Gente), a political alliance whose stated ideology was centered on serving the Bolivian people. This grassroots-oriented movement would become the foundation for his presidential campaign.
From 2020 to 2025, Paz resigned as mayor to take his seat as a senator for Tarija, representing the Civic Community coalition. In the Senate, he served as Second Vice President and later as president of the Rural Indigenous Nations and Peoples, Cultures, and Interculturality Commission. He became a vocal advocate for census reform and government transparency.
In 2025, running as the Christian Democratic Party's presidential candidate, Paz shocked political observers by placing first in the initial round with 32% of the vote, then securing victory in the runoff with 54.5%.
The 2025 Presidential Campaign
The 2025 Bolivian presidential election occurred against a backdrop of severe economic turmoil. After nearly 20 years of governance by the Movement Toward Socialism, founded by former President Evo Morales, Bolivia faced its worst economic crisis in a generation. Annual inflation had soared from 2% to over 16% (eventually reaching 25%), fuel shortages paralyzed the country, and a desperate scarcity of U.S. dollars crippled the economy.
A power struggle between Morales and President Luis Arce fractured the MAS party, creating an opening for opposition candidates. However, pre-election polls suggested that the race would be between right-wing candidates Jorge Quiroga and businessman Samuel Doria Medina. Paz's campaign, which combined economic reform promises with a commitment to social programs, initially failed to generate significant attention from pollsters.
The Strategic Partnership with Edman Lara
One of the most crucial decisions in Paz's campaign was his selection of Edman Lara as his running mate. Lara, a former police captain, had gained national prominence through viral TikTok videos in which he exposed corruption within the police force. Despite lacking political experience and facing disciplinary questions following his dismissal from the police in 2024, Lara's populist appeal and anti-corruption credentials helped Paz connect with younger voters and working-class Bolivians.
Lara caused a brief controversy during the campaign when he suggested that as vice president, presiding over the legislature, he would have more power than Paz. Nevertheless, analysts credit Lara's grassroots appeal, particularly in MAS strongholds in Bolivia's highlands, as instrumental in securing Paz's unexpected first-round victory.
Campaign Strategy
Paz positioned himself as a pragmatic centrist alternative to both the MAS's state-directed economic model and the harsh austerity measures proposed by his right-wing opponents. He deliberately maintained a degree of ambiguity about specific policy details, allowing him to appeal to diverse voter coalitions. This strategic vagueness enabled him to attract both left-leaning voters disillusioned with MAS and those seeking economic reform.
His campaign emphasized three core themes: economic revitalization through "capitalism for all," government decentralization, and judicial reform. Unlike his opponents Quiroga and Doria Medina, Paz distanced himself from proposals to sell Bolivia's abundant lithium reserves to foreign companies and from seeking loans from the International Monetary Fund, positions that resonated with voters wary of neoliberal policies.
Policy Platform: "Capitalism for All"
Rodrigo Paz's economic vision centers on what he calls "capitalism for all" or "platita para todos" (money for everyone). This model seeks to combine free-market principles with social protections, promising to maintain the social safety net while encouraging private-sector growth and entrepreneurship.
Economic Reform
Paz plans to democratize access to credit, particularly for young entrepreneurs, small farmers, and informal traders. His administration will offer financing programs in national currency with subsidized rates, coordinated through public banks and partnerships with private financial institutions.
Fiscal Policy
The incoming president has pledged to reduce taxes on national production, eliminate tariffs on products not manufactured in Bolivia, and review the tax system to make it more progressive. He aims to lower the tax burden on citizens and small businesses while maintaining government revenue.
Subsidy Reform
Paz plans to phase out universal fuel subsidies, which have drained government resources. Instead, targeted support will go to vulnerable groups, while larger industries such as agribusiness will pay market rates for fuel. This controversial reform is deemed necessary to stabilize the economy.
Energy Transition
Aware of Bolivia's dependence on hydrocarbons, Paz has proposed developing clean energy as a long-term strategy. His plan includes investments in solar, wind, and biomass energy, tax incentives for green companies, and labor transition policies for workers in the extractive sector.
Government Decentralization
A cornerstone of Paz's platform is transferring power and resources from the central government to regional and municipal authorities. This decentralization aims to make government more responsive to local needs and reduce bureaucratic inefficiency.
Judicial Reform
Paz has identified the justice system as Bolivia's primary institutional problem. He plans to implement comprehensive judicial reforms to combat corruption and improve the efficiency and fairness of the courts.
First-Year Economic Rescue Plan
According to Paz's senior economic adviser, the new administration plans to inject approximately $4 billion into the economy during its first year in office. This ambitious rescue plan aims to boost growth, secure fuel supplies, and promote healthier public finances. The funding will come from improved revenue collection, budget reallocation, and selective international partnerships—notably excluding the International Monetary Fund.
Social Policy
Despite his pro-market orientation, Paz has committed to maintaining key social programs. He has pledged to continue assistance for schoolchildren and older people, and has proposed pension increases and universal income support for stay-at-home wives and mothers. This balanced approach distinguishes him from more doctrinaire right-wing candidates.
His government plans to review Law 348 on protection against violence toward women, seeking to correct what he describes as legal gaps and guarantee greater procedural balance without rolling back acquired rights. This position has generated both support and criticism from different sectors of Bolivian society.
Foreign Policy
Paz has pledged to repair Bolivia's relationship with the United States, which has been strained since 2009. In late September 2025, he unveiled plans for a $1.5 billion economic cooperation deal with U.S. officials to ensure fuel supplies and stabilize the economy. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio noted that both presidential candidates wanted stronger relations with Washington after decades of anti-American leadership.
However, Paz has emphasized that Bolivia will set its own terms for international partnerships. His approach to foreign policy appears pragmatic and non-ideological, focused on securing economic benefits for Bolivia rather than adhering to any particular geopolitical alignment.
Challenges Ahead
While Paz's victory is historic, his path to effective governance faces significant obstacles. His Christian Democratic Party holds only 49 of 130 seats in the lower house and 16 of 36 seats in the Senate—just ahead of Quiroga's coalition but far short of a majority. This fragmented legislature will require Paz to forge coalitions and negotiate compromises to implement his agenda.
Economic Crisis
The incoming president inherits an economy in severe distress. Bolivia faces critical shortages of fuel and foreign currency reserves, with inflation exceeding 23% and long queues at fuel stations. The collapse of gas exports has devastated government revenue, and foreign exchange reserves have dwindled dramatically. Implementing painful but necessary reforms, such as subsidy cuts, risks triggering social unrest in a country with a strong tradition of street protests.
Political Opposition
Despite MAS's electoral defeat, the party retains significant support, particularly among Indigenous Bolivians. Former President Evo Morales remains a powerful political figure and has already criticized both runoff candidates, stating they represent only "a handful of people in Bolivia" and do not represent "the popular movement, much less the Indigenous movement."
Bolivia's main labor union, the Central Obrera Boliviana (COB), has warned it will oppose any threats to the social and economic gains achieved under MAS governance. This presents a delicate balancing act for Paz's administration, which must implement economic reforms while avoiding the mass protests that have toppled previous Bolivian governments.
Corruption Allegations
In February 2024, the Departmental Prosecutor's Office of Tarija formally charged Paz with alleged irregularities related to the "Million-Dollar Bridge" project, a public works initiative awarded during his tenure as mayor. While Paz was no longer in office when the bridge was completed, the allegations have provided ammunition for his critics and could complicate his presidency.
Expectations Management
Paz's campaign rhetoric raised high expectations for rapid economic improvement. However, economists warn that Bolivia's economic problems are deeply rooted and will require years to resolve. The incoming president must manage public expectations while implementing difficult reforms that may initially cause hardship for many Bolivians.
Historical Significance
Rodrigo Paz's election represents several historic firsts and significant political shifts for Bolivia. The 2025 election marked Bolivia's first-ever presidential runoff since its return to democracy in 1982, representing a maturation of the country's electoral system.
After nearly 20 years of almost continuous governance by the Movement Toward Socialism, Paz's victory signals the end of an era. The MAS, which once enjoyed overwhelming support from Bolivia's Indigenous majority, saw its coalition fracture under economic pressure and internal conflicts.
Bolivian voters rejected both continued leftist rule and the harsh austerity measures proposed by right-wing candidates, instead opting for Paz's centrist, pragmatic approach. This suggests a desire for balanced governance that transcends ideological divisions.
Paz becomes the third member of his extended family to lead Bolivia, highlighting the enduring influence of certain political families in Bolivian politics while also demonstrating their ability to adapt to changing circumstances.
The role of Edman Lara and his viral TikTok videos in the campaign demonstrates the growing importance of social media and non-traditional political communication in Bolivian politics.
Personal Life
Rodrigo Paz Pereira is a father of four children and describes himself as passionate about his homeland, football, national cuisine, and family. His Instagram profile reflects these interests, showing a man deeply connected to Tarija and Bolivian culture.
Despite his privileged political background, Paz has worked to project an image of accessibility and connection to ordinary Bolivians. His campaign emphasized grassroots organizing and direct engagement with voters across social classes. Living in an affluent neighborhood of La Paz, Paz nonetheless managed to appeal to working-class voters through his messaging and his partnership with the anti-establishment figure Edman Lara.
His political philosophy appears shaped by his diverse experiences—childhood exile, Jesuit education across multiple countries, American university training, diplomatic service, and years of local governance in Tarija. These experiences have given him a cosmopolitan outlook while maintaining deep roots in Bolivian politics and society.
Path to the Presidency
Rodrigo Paz Pereira is scheduled to take office as President of Bolivia on November 8, 2025, succeeding Luis Arce. His inauguration will mark the beginning of what many hope will be a new chapter in Bolivian history—one characterized by pragmatic governance, economic recovery, and political stability.
The transition period between his October 19 electoral victory and November 8 inauguration will be crucial for assembling his administration, building legislative coalitions, and preparing his economic rescue plan. Early indications suggest Paz will prioritize cabinet appointments that reflect his pragmatic, non-ideological approach, drawing talent from across the political spectrum.
As Bolivia stands at this crossroads, facing severe economic challenges but also new political possibilities, Rodrigo Paz Pereira represents both continuity and change. His family name connects him to Bolivia's political history, while his centrist vision and reform agenda promise a departure from decades of polarized governance. Whether he can successfully navigate these contradictions and deliver on his promises of "capitalism for all" remains to be seen, but his unexpected rise to the presidency has already transformed Bolivian politics in ways that will resonate for years to come.
The success or failure of Rodrigo Paz's presidency will likely determine Bolivia's trajectory for the next generation. His ability to stabilize the economy, reform institutions, and bridge political divides will be tested immediately. For a nation weary of economic crisis and political turmoil, Paz represents hope for a more prosperous and stable future—but also the risks inherent in dramatic political change. The coming years will reveal whether Bolivia's gamble on this centrist senator from Tarija was a turning point toward renewal or simply another chapter in the country's turbulent political saga.
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