Bolivian President Rodrigo Paz Removes Economy Minister After Censure

President Rodrigo Paz removed Economy Minister Jose Gabriel Espinoza from office on August 21, appointing Environment Minister Oscar Mario Justiniano Pinto as the interim replacement. The presidential decree finalized the ouster following a Tuesday vote by the Congress of Bolivia to censure Espinoza.

The government initially characterized the congressional censure as unconstitutional, and Espinoza threatened to seek legal recourse through the Constitutional Tribunal. However, the final removal drew support from both opposition and ruling-party lawmakers.

This leadership change occurs as the Paz administration attempts to secure congressional approval for economic reforms and a financing program negotiated with the International Monetary Fund in July. The administration is currently managing slow economic growth, public unrest over austerity measures, and shortages of fuel and foreign currency.