Election in Bolivia

Paz sworn in: “Never again an isolated Bolivia”

Rodrigo Paz has been sworn in as the new president of Bolivia after winning the election at the end of October, several news agencies report. This marks a rightward shift for the Latin American country that has had socialist rule for almost 20 years.

In his inauguration speech, Paz promises a new Bolivia and reaches out to the outside world. Among other things, he has promised to restore relations with the United States.

– Never again an isolated Bolivia, locked by failed ideologies, says the conservative politician. 

Expert: The outside world is positive but Paz will not have it easy

Tackling Bolivia’s crippling economy will not be an easy challenge. Michael Shifter at the US-based think tank Inter-American Dialogue told the AP after conservative Rodrigo Paz was sworn in as president.

Shifter says that world leaders and investors will be more friendly to Paz than his socialist predecessor, but that voters are not very patient.

– If he moves too slowly or if policies fail to lift Bolivia out of the economic crisis, he risks losing confidence.