Israeli Foreign Minister, Gideon Sa’ar, stated in a declaration that his country “congratulates the president-elect, Rodrigo Paz, and the Bolivian people on their democratic path.” Sa’ar also expressed Israel’s eagerness to “open a new chapter in bilateral relations and enhance cooperation in various fields.” These Israeli congratulations come despite Bolivia cutting ties with Israel in November 2023, accusing Tel Aviv of committing “crimes against humanity” during its war in the Gaza Strip.
Bolivian voters chose the centrist right-wing senator to lead the country, ending two decades of socialist left rule amid a severe economic crisis. Western media reported on Monday that the 58-year-old Paz received 54.5% of the votes in the second round of the presidential elections, after more than 97% of the ballots were counted, according to the Supreme Electoral Tribunal. It was confirmed that his rival, former President Jorge “Tuto” Quiroga, received 45.4% of the votes.
Paz is expected to assume office on November 8th, succeeding the outgoing president, Luis Arce, who chose not to run again after five years in which the country suffered its worst economic crisis in four decades. Bolivia is experiencing a severe fuel crisis due to the collapse of gas exports and depletion of foreign currency reserves, causing inflation to rise above 23% and long lines at fuel stations.
Rodrigo Paz’s economic program relies on reducing, especially fuel subsidies, as well as promoting private sector openness and implementing the concept of “capitalism for all” based on decentralization and financial discipline, before resorting to any new debt.
