Key Highlights
- Rodrigo Paz wins the Bolivian presidential runoff with 54% of votes.
- The result marks a shift from over two decades of rule by the Movement Toward Socialism party (MAS).
- Ex-police officer Edman Lara, Paz’s running mate, gained support among working-class and rural voters.
- Paz faces challenges in restoring economic stability without triggering inflation or protests as seen under Morales’ tenure.
The Unexpected Turn: Centrist Rodrigo Paz Triumphs Over Right-Wing Challenger
On Sunday, October 20, 2025, Bolivia witnessed a seismic shift in its political landscape with the unexpected victory of centrist candidate Rodrigo Paz. Preliminary results showed Paz leading his right-wing rival Jorge “Tuto” Quiroga by over nine percentage points, winning 54% of the votes to Quiroga’s 45%. The outcome marks a significant departure from two decades of rule under the Movement Toward Socialism (MAS) party, signaling a new era for Bolivia.
From Political Outsider to Victorious President-Elect
Rodrigo Paz, who has spent more than two decades in politics as a senator and mayor, emerged from obscurity to become the frontrunner. His rise was unexpected; he had been trailing in polls until August when his party swept six of nine regional departments across Bolivia. The senator’s slogan “capitalism for all” resonated with many who saw an opportunity to break away from the economic policies of the long-ruling MAS.
Ex-Police Officer Edman Lara: A Populist Appeal
Paz chose ex-police officer Edman Lara as his running mate, a move that galvanized support among working-class and rural voters. Lara gained fame on TikTok for denouncing corruption in viral videos before being fired from the police force. His charisma and populist promises of universal income for women and higher pensions for retirees appealed to many Bolivians disillusioned with the status quo.
Challenges Ahead: Economic Reforms Amidst Crisis
Paz inherits an economy on the brink, grappling with a severe shortage of U.S. dollars that has locked Bolivians out of their savings and hampered imports. Year-on-year inflation surged to 23% last month, the highest rate since 1991, while fuel shortages paralyze daily life as motorists often wait days for gas. Paz plans to end Bolivia’s fixed exchange rate, phase out generous fuel subsidies, and reduce public investment without triggering a recession or soaring inflation.
While Paz aims to maintain MAS-style benefits through gradual reforms, his reluctance to immediately cut spending has drawn criticism. “It’s just so vague, I feel like he’s saying these things to please voters when fiscally it doesn’t add up,” said 48-year-old Rodrigo Tribeño, a Bolivian who voted for Quiroga on Sunday. “We needed real change.”
Conclusion
A New Chapter in Bolivia’s Political History
Rodrigo Paz’s victory sets Bolivia on an uncertain path as it seeks to navigate economic challenges and political divisions. The centrist president-elect will need to balance the aspirations of his diverse voter base, including those who support his party’s policies and others who wish for a more radical shift away from the MAS era.
As Paz takes office, he faces the daunting task of stabilizing an economy in crisis while avoiding the pitfalls that have plagued previous administrations. The coming months will be crucial as Paz seeks to implement his ambitious plans, balancing the needs of different sectors of Bolivian society.
