Espinoza withdraws appeal against censure by Bolivian Assembly

Former Bolivian Economy Minister José Gabriel Espinoza has withdrawn a constitutional protection appeal he filed against his censure by the Plurinational Legislative Assembly (ALP). The decision was announced Monday as the hearing was already underway before the Third Constitutional Chamber in El Alto.

Espinoza had sought to overturn the censure, approved on August 18, after he failed to attend an interpellation session. He had argued that the legislative procedure did not meet legal requirements, including the need for a two-thirds majority vote. The appeal had created a significant political and legal debate regarding his position in the strategic Economy Ministry.

His withdrawal means the Constitutional Chamber will not rule on the merits of the appeal. The censure had led to his interim removal from the ministry, with Oscar Mario Justiniano temporarily assuming the role until the appeal was resolved. The consequences of the ALP's decision now remain squarely within the political arena.

Espinoza's decision comes just days after the ALP's vote, effectively ending the judicial challenge to the legislative action. The former minister's move shifts the focus back to political ramifications rather than a legal resolution.