A bruising week for Bolivia’s President Paz as scandal and setbacks test his presidency

Bolivian President Rodrigo Paz faced a challenging week marked by multiple setbacks. His economy minister, José Gabriel Espinoza, was dismissed following a congressional vote and a criminal investigation into alleged financial misconduct. This occurred as Paz's main congressional ally broke with his party, weakening support for his agenda. Additionally, an abrupt fuel price hike threatened public unrest, and Paz's influential adviser, Fernando Cerimedo, was arrested on attempted femicide charges. A woman, who claims to have evidence of corruption, alleges Cerimedo orchestrated an attack on her to silence her. These events have tested Paz's presidency, which has already seen significant ministerial turnover and public protests.

Bolivian President Rodrigo Paz has removed Economy Minister Jose Gabriel Espinoza from his post. This decision follows Espinoza's censure by the legislature earlier in the week for failing to appear before Congress to answer questions about the economy. The government initially indicated it would contest the censure, but a decree published on Friday confirmed Espinoza's dismissal. Oscar Mario Justiniano Pinto has been appointed interim economy minister. This cabinet change comes amid ongoing public anger over Bolivia's cost-of-living crisis and years of economic and political turmoil. President Paz was elected last October on a platform of bringing stability to the nation.