Paz says 'a new Bolivia is being born' on 201st independence anniversary

President Rodrigo Paz declared that "a new Bolivia is being born" as the nation marked its 201st independence anniversary, asserting that his nearly nine-month-old administration is steering the country away from centralism. Speaking at the Casa de la Libertad in Sucre, the constitutional capital, Paz framed the upcoming 2025 general elections as a moment for Bolivia to "initiate a new cycle marked by truth as the basis for the moral transformation of the homeland."

Paz strongly criticized the preceding Movimiento al Socialismo (MAS) governments under Evo Morales and Luis Arce, describing them as having left the country "devastated and dying." He attributed the nation's ongoing economic crisis to their tenure. "We are tidying up the house while protecting the people, without sacrificing sovereignty or the dignity of the homeland," Paz stated, acknowledging that some decisions were difficult and unpopular but necessary to halt the economic crisis and safeguard the future.

His administration's achievements, according to Paz, include "restoring confidence" which led to economic stabilization and a significant reduction in "country risk from 2,200 points to 421 points." He also pointed to the implementation of a new flexible exchange rate regime that has gradually normalized the foreign exchange market. The president thanked the public for their "greatness in facing changes, such as reordering public spending" and the "unsustainable" withdrawal of fuel subsidies.

Paz further highlighted a "modernization" of the state aimed at reducing bureaucracy, strengthening digital citizenship, and intervening in the state oil company, Yacimientos Petrolíferos Fiscales Bolivianos (YPFB), which had faced issues with fuel quality. To protect families during this period of national reordering, his government increased some benefits for the elderly and minors, provided financial relief to microenterprises, and expanded resources for health and education sectors.

Additionally, Paz emphasized a strategic decision to "open Bolivia to the world" by restoring diplomatic ties, deepening relationships with other nations, and seeking support from multilateral organizations like CAF, the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), and the International Monetary Fund (IMF). He also noted a shift towards "new governance" through agreements with departmental and municipal authorities, prioritizing collaboration with institutions over politicians.

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a new Bolivia is being born