Bolivia votes between two Right-Wing candidates to revive the economy

Sunday 19 October 2025 - 14:20

By: Sahili Aya

Bolivia votes between two Right-Wing candidates to revive the economy

Bolivians are heading to the polls this Sunday for the presidential run-off, which pits former right-wing president Jorge “Tuto” Quiroga against centrist senator Rodrigo Paz. Both candidates promise to lift the country out of a deep economic crisis marked by high inflation and chronic shortages.

After two decades of left-wing rule, voters are seeking change. Skyrocketing prices, a shortage of foreign currency, and long fuel lines have sparked growing frustration. “Twenty years ago, our country was thriving thanks to gas exports, but the socialist governments squandered everything,” said Edmundo, a resident of La Paz.

Weak investment in the energy sector has worsened the crisis, visible since 2023. For many Bolivians, political change has become urgent. “Before, you could buy a lot with 100 bolivianos. Today, it’s barely enough for a few items,” said Juana, a local street vendor.

During their televised debate on October 12, Quiroga, 65, and Paz, 58, outlined their strategies to stabilize the economy. Both vowed to tackle fuel shortages and curb inflation. “By November, fuel will be available across the country,” promised Paz, while Quiroga pledged to “end the queues for diesel and gasoline and bring inflation under control.”

Both candidates also plan to reduce energy subsidies and public spending, as the national deficit nears 10% of GDP. “We will restore confidence by bringing dollars back into the economy,” said Quiroga, calling for a “renewal” of Bolivia’s economic model. Paz advocated a more gradual transition: “We have the right to renew ourselves and leave the past behind.”

This run-off could mark a historic break from 20 years of leftist governance, as Bolivians await concrete measures to rebuild their struggling economy.