Bolivian official denies advisor's government ties amid illicit enrichment probe

Ximena Galarza, the Director General of Strategic Communication for the Bolivian State, has testified for over four hours as part of an investigation into alleged illicit enrichment involving political advisor Fernando Cerimedo.

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He does not have any relationship with Mr. Cerimedo.

Emerging from the prosecutor's office, Galarza asserted that she responded to around 380 questions and firmly denied any formal connection between Cerimedo and the current government. She emphasized that Cerimedo does not hold a position within the executive branch or any public office.

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I met him there for being the communication advisor in the president's campaign, and later I have met him at events, in some places, just as the press has also registered.

Galarza explained that she began her role on November 28, 2025, by which time Cerimedo was already present in the Government Palace. She stated she met him during the president's campaign, where he served as a communication advisor, and subsequently encountered him at various official functions and events.

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He does not have any relationship with the Government, he is not listed, he is not a State official, he is not within the Government.

She insisted that these encounters did not signify any work or institutional relationship between Cerimedo and the State, reiterating that he is not a government official. Galarza appeared as a witness to provide her account and cooperate with the ongoing investigation, which is being conducted by the Public Ministry in La Paz.

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I thank the Prosecutor's Office for allowing me to also tell my truth with this summons as a witness.