World News
Bolivian President Rodrigo Paz faces cabinet shakeup and criminal scandals
A firing in the economic ministry, an adviser's arrest, and a broken legislative alliance test the nine-month-old administration.
The short version
- President Rodrigo Paz dismissed Economy Minister José Gabriel Espinoza following congressional pressure and a luxury car fraud investigation.
- Presidential adviser Fernando Cerimedo was arrested and charged with attempted femicide after his former partner was shot outside a hotel.
- A fractured legislative coalition and an 84% hike on bulk diesel purchases have intensified economic and political instability in Bolivia.
Key facts
- Paz dismissed Economy Minister José Gabriel Espinoza after Congress voted to remove him and prosecutors launched an investigation into his discounted purchase of an Audi Q4.[ABC News]
- The center-right National Unity party dissolved its legislative alliance with Paz, weakening his support in Congress where key multilateral loan agreements await approval.[ABC News]
- Authorities arrested political consultant Fernando Cerimedo on attempted femicide charges connected to the shooting of lawyer Nadia Beller.[ABC News]
- Investigators raided properties tied to Cerimedo, recovering over 500,000 bolivianos, foreign currency, and bot farm equipment.[ABC News]
- The Bolivian government increased the price of bulk diesel by 84%, leading to calls for agricultural sector strikes.[ABC News]
What remains uncertain
- Whether Cerimedo ordered the attack on Beller remains unresolved as he denies involvement, while Beller alleges it was an attempt to silence corruption claims.[ABC News]
- The true extent of Cerimedo's ongoing influence in Paz's administration is disputed between government officials and political opponents.[ABC News]