Bolivia is beginning a new chapter.For nearly two decades, my country was governed by the Movement Toward Socialism.That period reshaped Bolivia’s economy, institutions, and relationship with the United States.
Today, my government is taking a different direction: rebuilding confidence, strengthening institutions, opening the economy to investment, and creating more room for private enterprise and entrepreneurship.When I took office, Bolivia’s Central Bank had only $51 million in reserves.Ten months later, reserves had risen to close to $1.2 billion, and our objective is to continue rebuilding them.
Inflation remains high, fuel shortages have tested our people, and the work ahead is difficult.But the direction is clear: Bolivia is putting its economic house in order.TRUMP ADMIN BACKS BOLIVIA STATE OF EMERGENCY AS LEFTIST EX-LEADER'S LOYALISTS FRACTURE NATIONDuring my campaign, I described our approach as "capitalism for everyone." By that I mean access to capital, the ability to invest, the freedom to build businesses, and the opportunity to create jobs and prosperity.
Ideology does not put food on the table.Employment does.
Production does.Investment does.
Economic growth does.Bolivia's President Rodrigo Paz delivers a speech in La Paz on June 3, 2026, after naming Ernesto Justiniano as defense minister following the resignation of Marcelo Salinas amid protests.(Claudia Morales/Reuters)This new economic direction is also creating the basis for a new relationship with the United States.
My discussions in New York with Secretary of State Marco Rubio reflected an important change in the relationship between our countries.Bolivia seeks cooperation with the United States based on mutual respect, economic opportunity, security, investment, and shared interests.THE UNLIKELY SOUTH AMERICAN ALLY HELPING LEAD TRUMP'S DRUG CARTEL CRACKDOWNThe Trump administration has placed renewed attention on the Western Hemisphere, including economic strength, security, and coop...