3 articles · Updated · Al Jazeera English · Aug 21
Summary
Friday’s decree removed Economic Minister Jose Gabriel Espinoza and installed Oscar Mario Justiniano Pinto as interim economy minister until a permanent successor is chosen.
Tuesday’s congressional censure triggered the dismissal after Espinoza skipped a legislative appearance on the economy, and Paz abandoned an earlier plan to challenge the move in court.
The firing is likely to be seen as a concession from Paz, whose government faces anger over a cost-of-living crisis and needs congressional backing for economic reforms and an IMF financing program.
Bolivia’s turmoil has deepened since Paz took office last year: fuel-subsidy cuts and a land reform push sparked months of protests, a June state of emergency and military-backed blockade clearances.
More than 37% of Bolivians were below the poverty line in 2024, underscoring the economic strain that helped elect Paz and still threatens his bid to stabilize the country.