Bolivian Businessman Doria Medina Withdraws Support from Paz, Cites 'Corruption' Concerns

Bolivian businessman and former presidential candidate Samuel Doria Medina announced Saturday he is withdrawing support for President Rodrigo Paz's government, citing deep concerns over corruption and the absence of comprehensive reforms.

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After much insistence and conversation, we reached the conclusion that the Government will not improve, so we decided to follow our conscience and go our own way. We do this for ethics.

"After much insistence and conversation, we reached the conclusion that the Government will not improve, so we decided to follow our conscience and go our own way. We do this for ethics," Doria Medina stated in a video shared on social media. He emphasized that his alliance, Unidad, does not disagree with the government's program but rather with the conduct of its officials, whom he accused of making decisions too slowly or not at all.

Doria Medina specifically highlighted corruption as a major concern, noting that "integral change in various areas of the state" has not materialized. He drew a parallel to the previous administrations of Evo Morales and Luis Arce, where entities like the Customs and the mining regulator were "very corrupt." He questioned why his proposal to appoint an "anti-corruption czar" was not accepted.

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We are also concerned about corruption (...) It was expected that an integral change would occur in various areas of the state, but it has not happened.

Unidad had previously backed Paz after Doria Medina placed third in the August 2025 presidential election. Several allies of Doria Medina were appointed to Paz's cabinet, including José Luis Lupo as Minister of the Presidency. However, some of these allies have since resigned, contributing to the growing political friction. Paz, who represents the Christian Democratic Party (PDC), is nearing his nine-month mark in office.

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We cannot be responsible for what we do not agree with. We are leaving, but we will continue to support change because we want the country to do well.