Bolivia’s Socialists Collapse After 20 Years Amid Economic Crisis

Bolivia is experiencing a significant political shift as the leftist Movimiento al Socialismo (MAS), which ruled for nearly 20 years, suffers a dramatic collapse in support. In the August 17 election, centrist senator Rodrigo Paz won a surprising 32% of the vote, setting up a runoff against right-wing former president Jorge Quiroga, while MAS's candidate garnered just over 3%, barely maintaining the party's legal status. This electoral outcome reflects widespread disillusionment with MAS amid Bolivia's worst economic crisis in four decades, as even affluent Indigenous entrepreneurs face financial strain and shift their political allegiance. The erosion of MAS dominance is further underscored by preliminary projections that the party will have minimal representation in the new Congress. This political realignment in Bolivia parallels broader regional trends where recent leftist governments in Latin America have faltered, leading to the rise of more conservative or pragmatic leaders who emphasize economic recovery and security. The shift signals a growing desire among voters for new alternatives after years of economic and political turmoil under socialist administrations.