Bolivia Elects Rodrigo Paz, Ends 20 Years of Socialist MAS Rule

Rodrigo Paz Pereira was elected president of Bolivia in October 2025, ending two decades of rule by the leftist Movement Towards Socialism (MAS). Paz, a center-right candidate from the Christian Democratic Party, won with around 54% of the vote against conservative Jorge Quiroga, capitalizing on MAS's collapse amid economic crises and internal party struggles. His platform, dubbed “Capitalism For All,” aims to address Bolivia’s economic hardships without deep spending cuts, emphasizing tax incentives for small businesses and social program maintenance. Despite his victory, Paz faces significant political challenges, including consolidating power within a fragmented legislature and negotiating alliances for potential reforms. Analysts note that Paz appeals to indigenous and plebeian sectors disillusioned by MAS, promoting liberalization policies aimed at benefiting the poor rather than the wealthy. The United States has expressed readiness to collaborate with Paz’s government on shared regional priorities such as immigration and security.