The president of Bolivia, Rodrigo Paz, reported that preliminary investigations by various ministries indicate economic damage exceeding USD 15,000 million during the governments of Movimiento Al Socialismo (MAS). He stated that this is a possible theft "that must be certified," but he insisted that his administration will not overlook the detected irregularities.
Paz clarified that there will not be "persecutions," although he assured that the accusations will be supported by documentation. However, no evidence or technical explanations regarding the calculation of the figure were presented at the press conference for now. He also revealed that the state budget "was exhausted before the change of government", and stated that the previous administration "spent all the money."
An economy at its worst moment in decades
Bolivia is experiencing its greatest economic crisis since the 1980s. GDP fell by 2.4% in the first half of 2025, and international organizations forecast a recession until 2027. The decline of the gas sector —for years the main source of income— reduced exports, weakened reserves, and increased dependence on external financing.
