Rodrigo Paz Pereira was sworn in this Saturday (8) as the new president of Bolivia, alongside Edmand Lara, who assumes the position of vice-president. The ceremony held in Plaza Murillo, in La Paz, marked the end of almost two decades of political hegemony of the Bolivian left, led by Evo Morales and, more recently, by Luis Arce.
According to CNN Brazil , the inauguration was attended by leaders from several South American countries, including Javier Milei (Argentina), Gabriel Boric (Chile), Daniel Noboa (Ecuador), Santiago Peña (Paraguay), and Yamandú Orsi (Uruguay). Brazil was represented by Vice President Geraldo Alckmin.
Inauguration ceremony and tributes
Vice President Edmand Lara was the first to arrive at Plaza Murillo, wearing the dress uniform of the Bolivian Police, a force he served in before entering politics. Known for his anti-corruption rhetoric and popularity on social media, especially TikTok, Lara presided over the legislative session preceding Paz’s inauguration and individually greeted the heads of state and international authorities present.
Rodrigo Paz arrived at the Legislative Assembly in formal attire, accompanied by family and supporters. In his oath, he thanked Pachamama (Mother Earth) for the rain that was falling in La Paz at the time of the ceremony. “She is carrying out a purification, she is blessing us. And this means it is a good time, it is a good omen,” said the new president, in a symbolic gesture of respect for Andean traditions.
Discourse of rupture and promises of reconstruction
In his inaugural address, Paz harshly criticized the leftist governments that had ruled the country for the past 20 years. “Never again an isolated Bolivia, with failed ideologies, much less a Bolivia wielding a sword in the world,” he declared, promising a new political era.
The new president described the country he is taking over as “devastated.” “They left us with a broken economy, with the lowest international reserves in 30 years. They left us with inflation, shortages, devaluation, and distrust. A paralyzed state, a bureaucratic monster incapable of serving the people,” he stated.
Paz accused previous governments of wasting resources and increasing public debt. “Was the misuse of US$60 billion on gas and a debt of over US$40 billion, both internal and external, right? Are we a better country?” he questioned indignantly.
A direct message to Evo Morales and Luis Arce
In one of the harshest moments of his speech, Paz addressed his predecessors directly. “Where is the much-talked-about sea of gas they promised us? They said Bolivia would have a sea of gas, remember? Evo, where is the lithium? Arce, where is the lithium?” he exclaimed.
Despite the criticism, the president stated that he is not seeking revenge, but rather to “learn from mistakes” in order to rebuild the national economy. He also announced that convoys carrying diesel and gasoline began entering the country “since last night,” in response to the recent supply crisis.
A new political cycle
Rodrigo Paz’s inauguration marks the beginning of a new phase in Bolivian politics, with the promise of a centrist government focused on economic recovery. The event was attended by former presidents of the country, such as Jaime Paz Zamora—the new president’s father—Jeanine Áñez, and Jorge “Tuto” Quiroga.
Source: brasil247.com