One year ago, Bolivia’s politics were in chaos — soldiers with tanks filled the streets of La Paz on June 26, 2024, in an attempted coup. The plan collapsed within hours, but it exposed how deeply unstable the country had become after years of socialist rule. The Movement for Socialism (MAS) party, which ruled Bolivia for almost two decades under the leadership of Evo Morales and later Luis Arce, left the country in an economic mess and destroyed public trust in every political institution.
Now, in the presidential elections held on October 20, 2025, Bolivians have virtually wiped the MAS party off the political map. Rodrigo Paz Pereira, who is a centrist reformer and supporter of the market economy, was elected as the new president with 54.6% of the vote. With its low public support, the MAS party was unable to even field a candidate.
In this article, we’ll explore President Pereira's victory and what it means for Bolivia and the region.
After years of political turmoil, Rodrigo Paz Pereira emerges as the face of a new Bolivia, pragmatic, reformist, and determined to rebuild institutions weakened by decades of socialism
For the first time since 2005, the ruling MAS party did not even appear on the presidential ballot. The Constitutional Court barred Evo Morales after years of defying term limits, and President Luis Arce withdrew amid internal feuds and collapsing popularity. The party that once commanded the absolute loyalty of trade unions and rural voters disintegrated under its own contradictions, becoming an empty vessel afloat on economic rents and corruption.
Not fielding a candidate was an act of exhaustion, not a political strategy. The real turning point came from ordinary Bolivians. Young people, professionals, and city residents who had grown up under MAS rule have finally taken control of the political scene. Tired of hearing slogans, the people demanded a future with promising jobs, stability, and opportunity. The older generation in rural areas remained loyal to MAS, but cities like La Paz, Santa Cruz, Cochabamba, and Tarija voted overwhelmingly for change.
58-year-old Rodrigo Paz Pereira offers Bolivians both experience and practical solutions to their significant problems. He is the son of former President Jaime Paz Zamora, studied economics in the United States, and served as mayor of Tarija before becoming a senator. During his campaign, he focused less on political slogans and more on creating real opportunities for Bolivians:
“Ideology doesn’t put food on the table,” he told supporters. “What are the rights to work, strong institutions, legal security, and respect for private property?”
This message has become a beacon of hope for Bolivians tired of slogans but eager for results. His victory over former President Jorge "Tuto" Quiroga signals the rise of a market-oriented, reformist, and moderate centre in Bolivian politics.
In a clear demonstration of his commitment to democratic values, Paz Pereira announced that he will not invite the dictatorships of Cuba, Venezuela, and Nicaragua to his presidential inauguration on November 8 — a symbolic move distancing Bolivia from authoritarian regimes and reaffirming his pro-democracy stance in the region.
Though Paz is a practical statesman, his reform plan is quite ambitious. His goal is to move Bolivia from a state-controlled economy to one driven by productivity and private initiative.
Economic liberalization is one of his top priorities. He plans to simplify taxes, reduce bureaucracy, and help businesses in the informal sector — where more than 70% of Bolivians work — enter the formal economy.
He also promises fiscal discipline. Paz aims to cut wasteful subsidies, especially on fuel, while protecting low-income families through direct and targeted support instead of broad handouts.
Mining and energy sectors are Bolivia’s treasure. Paz wants to attract private and foreign investors to develop Bolivia’s vast lithium reserves. He promises transparency and partnership in these sectors by replacing the state monopolies that failed during the MAS years.
Re-establishing the rule of law sits at the top of his political agenda. Strengthening judicial independence and utilizing digital tools to make government spending more transparent are among President Paz’s most popular anti-corruption promises.
Finally, Paz supports greater trade openness. He intends to rebuild relationships with regional and global markets through new investment treaties and infrastructure projects that connect Bolivia more closely to its neighbours.
Bolivia’s foreign policy has alternated between anti-Western rhetoric and heavy reliance on China under Morales and Arce. President Paz promises a clear change in direction. He told El País: “I hope Bolivia returns to the world, and that the world returns to Bolivia.”
That means building stronger ties with the United States and Europe, seeking trade deals that serve Bolivia’s interests, and reassessing relations with China. His administration plans to turn lithium, natural gas, and agricultural exports into instruments of integration, not isolation.
Bolivia no longer wants to be an ideological bridge between Caracas and Moscow. It aims to become a reliable player in global trade and an Andean democracy that values agreements over rhetoric.
The elected president, Rodrigo Paz, celebrates his victory with his family
Despite all the positive political waves, Paz inherits a fragile economy. Soaring inflation near 20%, depleted foreign reserves, and heavy fuel subsidies that drain public finances are just the tip of the iceberg. His party lacks a legislative majority, forcing him to build coalitions with centrists and moderate conservatives. MAS still controls local governments and powerful unions, and the bureaucracy resists change. These are not small hurdles. Nevertheless, Bolivia has great resources and supporters of Paz seem ready for strong change for a better future.
Paz’s victory won’t instantly turn Bolivia into a major expat destination. However, its importance becomes clear when seen as part of Latin America’s broader shift toward market reforms and greater global influence —a stark departure from much of its past. Bolivia’s move toward economic freedom is especially remarkable for a country once seen as part of the region’s socialist “Pink Tide.”
If Paz’s reforms take hold, Bolivia could quickly attract new investment. Its economic potential is immense. The country could eventually launch lithium and energy projects, increase agricultural production in its fertile lands, develop tourism in Santa Cruz and Tarija, and transform Bolivia into a logistics hub between Brazil, Paraguay, and Chile through new trade routes. Of course, it is too soon to expect anything, but Bolivia should be on your watchlist for future developments.
The streets of La Paz and Santa Cruz erupt in celebration as Bolivians vote for change, ending two decades of socialist dominance and opening the door to a new era of democracy and market reform
Bolivia’s 2025 election was more than a political win for reformists; it was a turning point for the country. Bolivians chose freedom and global integration over statism and isolation. This peaceful change has inspired hope in other nations still struggling under statist oppression. Paz’s victory aligns with a right-wing shift across Latin America, where more countries are turning to open markets, political stability, and individual freedom.
Many Latin American countries are emerging as top expat destinations, offering safer environments, stronger economies, and more effective ways to safeguard both freedom and wealth. You can easily explore your options by downloading our free special report on Plan-B Residencies & Instant Citizenships.