Bolivia’s new President Rodrigo Paz swears in first cabinet

Bolivia’s newly elected president, Rodrigo Paz Pereira, has sworn in the ministers of his first cabinet during a televised ceremony.

Among the key appointments, Fernando Aramayo, formerly with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), was named Minister of Foreign Affairs, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

In his inaugural address, Aramayo pledged to pursue a “modern, sovereign foreign policy” that embraces dialogue and defends multilateralism. “This will be a diplomacy that builds bridges, expands strategic alliances, and opens new opportunities for trade and cooperation,” he said.

José Espinoza, who previously headed Bolivia’s Central Bank under interim president Jeanine Áñez, was appointed Minister of Economy.

Espinoza recently accompanied President Paz on a trip to the United States for talks on potential financial assistance, as Bolivia struggles with fuel shortages linked to a scarcity of US dollars.

Economist Sergio Medinaceli will lead the Ministry of Hydrocarbons and Energy. In total, sixteen ministers were sworn in, including two in an acting capacity.

Rodrigo Paz officially assumed the presidency on November 8, following his victory in the second round of elections held on October 19.

By Aghakazim Guliyev