In a historic electoral shift, Bolivians cast their votes on October 19, 2025, ushering in a new era with the election of Rodrigo Paz as president—a result that ended nearly two decades of dominance by the leftist Movimiento al Socialismo (MAS) party. The runoff, marked by an impressive voter turnout of around 89% according to the Plurinational Electoral Body (OEP), delivered a clear win for Paz, who secured 54.6% of the vote in preliminary tallies. Former right-wing president Jorge "Tuto" Quiroga, Paz’s main rival, conceded after receiving 45.4%, and congratulated Paz personally, setting a tone of democratic maturity in a country often defined by political turbulence.
Paz, a Christian Democrat senator and the son of former President Jaime Paz Zamora, was an unexpected frontrunner in the August first round. He had captured 32.02% of the vote, outpacing Quiroga’s 26.7% and defying most polling predictions, which had favored Samuel Doria Medina. As reported by AS/COA Online, the pollsters’ forecasts were upended by voter sentiment, and the MAS party—once a formidable force—failed to garner even 3% of the vote in the runoff, a dramatic fall from grace attributed to internal disputes and Bolivia’s deepening economic crisis.
"Today, Rodrigo Paz does not win; Bolivia wins. In a democracy, we all win… God, family, and country are the basis of our commitment to Bolivia," Paz declared on election night, as cited by El País. His message of unity and economic liberalization resonated with a population weary from years of economic trouble, corruption, and what many saw as creeping authoritarianism under the MAS regime.
Paz’s victory was not just numerical but also geographic. He prevailed in six of Bolivia’s nine departments, tied in his home region of Tarija, and lost only in Santa Cruz and Beni—the Amazonian lowlands, according to Brújula Digital. His centrist platform, focused on "capitalism for all," drew support from moderate left-wing voters disillusioned with MAS’s increasingly fragmented leadership. In a move that highlighted his pragmatic approach, Paz promised not to dismantle the social programs of his predecessors, stating, "Ideologies don’t put food on the table." His campaign, aided by his TikTok-savvy running mate Edman Lara, a former police captain, tapped into working-class frustration and a desire for tangible economic improvement.
As Americas Quarterly notes, Paz’s triumph was fueled by the alignment of opposition forces, particularly the endorsement of Samuel Doria Medina after the first round. This coalition-building, combined with Paz’s pledge to open Bolivia to the world, set the stage for a clear shift to the right. Yet, as analysts point out, Paz’s political identity is not easily boxed in—he has historically aligned with parties across the spectrum, and his rhetoric often bridges divides rather than deepening them.
At 58, Paz brings a legacy of political engagement—born in Spain during his father’s exile, U.S.-educated, and seasoned as both mayor of Tarija and senator representing the gas- and wine-rich southern region. Now, as he prepares to take office on November 8, he faces daunting economic and political challenges. Inflation has soared to 18% in 2025, and the country’s fiscal health is precarious. Economists warn that Bolivia can no longer sustain its costly fuel subsidies; prices would need to triple to align with international markets, a move that risks triggering social unrest but is seen as essential for stabilizing the national budget.
Paz’s proposed reforms are ambitious. He has pledged to reduce taxes and tariffs, make loans and credit more accessible, and transfer more resources to regional governments—cutting central government control from 80% to 50%. This addresses a historic demand for greater autonomy from eastern Bolivia and signals a decentralization of power. He also promises a comprehensive overhaul of the Bolivian state, including freezing the activities of public companies with operating deficits and strengthening anti-corruption efforts. "I am going to cut off all benefits to politicians and the corrupt state," Paz asserted, according to El País. Among his most controversial proposals is judicial reform, aiming to end the popular election of judges—a change that could require a sweeping constitutional overhaul and possibly a constituent assembly, given the current constitution’s constraints on neoliberal reforms.
Foreign policy is also set for a major recalibration. Paz has vowed to "open Bolivia to the world," prioritizing pragmatic diplomacy and rebuilding ties with traditional partners like Argentina and the United States. The U.S., which had endured years of strained relations with Bolivia under MAS, responded swiftly: Secretary of State Marco Rubio called Paz’s win "a transformative opportunity," pledging, "The United States stands ready to partner with Bolivia on shared priorities, including ending illegal immigration, improved market access for bilateral investment, and combating transnational criminal organizations to strengthen regional security." Deputy Secretary of State Cristóbal Landau also reached out on behalf of President Trump, assuring support and cooperation.
For the international community, Paz’s presidency signals a potential rebalancing of partnerships, especially in sectors like mining and energy where China and Russia have long held sway. U.S. policymakers see a window to rebuild trust and foster collaboration on democracy, transparency, and access to critical minerals such as lithium—resources vital for the global green transition.
At home, Paz inherits a divided legislature and a population eager for change but wary of the social costs that may come with economic reform. His initial 100 days are expected to focus on stabilizing the economy, addressing fuel shortages, and containing inflation. The reduction of state subsidies, though politically risky, is seen as a necessary step to curb the fiscal deficit and restore investor confidence. Structural reforms aimed at redefining Bolivia’s economic model—reducing state intervention, streamlining taxation, and attracting foreign direct investment—are on the agenda, but their success will depend on Paz’s ability to build and maintain an inclusive coalition.
The defeat of MAS, while decisive, does not spell the end of the left in Bolivia. Figures like Andrónico Rodríguez are already positioning themselves to lead a renewed progressive movement, ensuring that the ideological debate remains vibrant. As Control Risks analyst Eduardo Ruiz observed, "The coming years will test Paz’s capacity to stabilize a divided country, restore economic credibility, and navigate a volatile political landscape still deeply influenced by the legacy of former President Evo Morales."
With the inauguration set for November 8, Bolivia stands at a crossroads. The end of the MAS era marks not just a political transition, but a profound reimagining of the country’s future—one that will be shaped by Paz’s ability to deliver on promises of unity, economic renewal, and a more open, globally engaged Bolivia.
