Bolivia's president lashes out over questions about Cerimedo and alleges smear campaign from Argentina

Rodrigo Paz grew visibly frustrated when asked again about Fernando Cerimedo, the political consultant whose role in Bolivia's government has drawn scrutiny. "For the last time, it will be the responsibility of the courts and the responsibility of those who have to investigate," the president said.

Paz acknowledged that Cerimedo had cooperated with the government at the beginning of his administration. He said the cooperation reflected the consultant's international capabilities and a government decision to make Bolivia more visible abroad. But Paz insisted there had never been a direct work relationship.

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For the last time, it will be the responsibility of the courts and the responsibility of those who have to investigate.

"There was never a contract" or a "direct working relationship" with Cerimedo, Paz said in an earlier message released by the presidency. He added that Cerimedo had never been authorized to represent Bolivia, the presidency, the government or Paz's family. Institutional representation, he said, must come through an official mandate, such as a minister, vice minister or presidential delegate.

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There was never a contract.

Speaking at an event in Tarija on Saturday, Paz also alleged "a campaign to discredit the government" that extended beyond Bolivia, including Argentina. He said critics had tried to portray his administration as right-wing and argued that international forces wanted Bolivia to stop changing course. He linked the allegation to attacks during 53 days of blockades between May and June, saying many of those attacks came from Mexico and Argentina.

Paz said Cerimedo first came to Bolivia during the 2025 presidential election and made contact to help with Paz's second-round campaign. He said the cooperation continued until the start of the government, but that Cerimedo's continued presence in Bolivia did not match the working structure the administration needed.

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A campaign to discredit the government.

Cerimedo was arrested in Santa Cruz on Aug. 18 and later placed in preventive detention at Palmasola prison for 180 days. He faces an alleged attempted femicide charge after an armed attack by unknown assailants against his former partner, Nadia Beller. Prosecutors also opened an investigation into alleged illicit enrichment, and he faces a third investigation over alleged family and domestic violence against Beller in July. His defense's position was cut off in the supplied text.

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They have become confused trying to portray our government as a right-wing government, and there is a conglomerate of forces and foundations at the international level.