Bolivian Assembly Censors Economy Minister Espinoza, Mandating Dismissal

Bolivia's Plurinational Legislative Assembly has censured Economy and Public Finance Minister José Gabriel Espinoza, marking a significant political event as he becomes the first minister under President Rodrigo Paz to face such a measure. The censure, approved with 91 votes in favor, 34 against, and four abstentions, necessitates his dismissal within 24 hours, as stipulated by the Constitution and relevant law.

Espinoza's absence from a scheduled interpellation session prompted the move. Lawmakers overwhelmingly rejected his excuse for not appearing, paving the way for the censure vote. This procedural step is crucial, as the Constitution allows the Assembly to interpellate ministers and, with a two-thirds majority, to censure them, which explicitly results in their removal from office.

The debate preceding the vote centered on the calculation of the required two-thirds majority. While the Constitution refers to "members of the Assembly," a proposal was made to count based on the legislators present. Ultimately, the motion passed with 91 out of 129 participating assembly members, exceeding the threshold of 86 votes needed if calculated based on those present.

The law governing censures, while mandating the dismissal of a censured minister, no longer prohibits their reappointment to a ministerial position for a period of three years, following a Constitutional Court ruling. This means Espinoza will be removed, but President Paz could potentially reappoint him later.