Amanze Chinonye
Bolivian President Rodrigo Paz has dismissed Economy and Public Finance Minister José Gabriel Espinoza following his censure by Congress, dealing a political setback to the government as it seeks support for an economic reform programme.
A presidential decree published in the Official Gazette on Friday appointed Oscar Mario Justiniano Pinto, the minister of Sustainable Production, Environment and Water, as interim economy minister until a permanent replacement is named. The decree did not set a timetable for the appointment.
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Congress voted 91-34, with four abstentions, to censure Espinoza on Tuesday after he failed to appear before lawmakers for questioning over the government’s economic policies.
Espinoza said after the vote that he would challenge the censure before Bolivia’s Constitutional Tribunal. The government initially argued that the congressional action was unconstitutional and said Espinoza would remain in office while the legal dispute was reviewed.
The decision to remove him comes as Paz’s administration seeks congressional backing for economic reforms amid mounting economic pressures.
Espinoza had served as economy minister since Paz took office in November and was a prominent figure in the government’s economic policy, including negotiations with international lenders.
His departure comes as Bolivia seeks legislative approval for a financing programme negotiated with the International Monetary Fund in July. The programme still requires approval from Bolivia’s Congress and the IMF Executive Board.
The government has struggled to build political and public support for its economic reform agenda. Earlier this year, demonstrations and roadblocks over austerity measures disrupted activity in several cities, prompting the administration to introduce emergency measures to contain the unrest.
Bolivia is also facing shortages of fuel and foreign currency, while economic growth remains weak, increasing pressure on the government to implement reforms and secure external financing.
The dismissal received support from lawmakers across the political divide.
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Opposition lawmaker Rolando Pacheco of the leftist Popular Alliance said Paz was showing “a measure of humility” by complying with what he described as Congress’s constitutional authority to question and censure ministers.
Claudia Bilbao, a lawmaker from Paz’s ruling party, also backed the move, saying lawmakers would not “cover for anyone” and that Espinoza’s departure should remind cabinet ministers of the need to work with and listen to parliament.
Espinoza had also faced scrutiny in recent weeks over the reported purchase of an Audi vehicle at a declared value below its market price. He said the discrepancy resulted from a paperwork error.
Justiniano now faces the task of steering Bolivia’s economy at a critical juncture, including advancing the government’s reform agenda and efforts to secure international financing.
The ministerial change adds to the political challenges confronting Paz as his administration seeks to balance fiscal reforms with public demands for relief from shortages, rising economic pressures and austerity measures.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
