Surprise Victory for Rodrigo Paz Pereira in First Round of Bolivian Election
The Spin
Right narrative
Bolivia is decisively shifting right in both its presidency and legislature, rejecting nearly two decades of socialist failures under the MAS party. Economic collapse, with 25% inflation and crippling fuel and dollar shortages, coupled with Evo Morales' scandals, has eroded trust in the left. A strong conservative coalition must bind together to give the people what they want.
Left narrative
While Bolivia's rightward shift reflects disillusionment with MAS's corruption, the centrists must be careful not to allow a far-right turn under men like Jorge Quiroga. His austerity and IMF-backed plans threaten to dismantle vital subsidies, deepening inequality for Bolivia's poorest, especially indigenous communities. This could spark unrest, echoing the 1980s neoliberal crises, and undermining the social gains achieved under MAS.