Bolivia turns page on Socialist era, elects great-nephew of 1952 revolution leader

Bolivians elected Rodrigo Paz as president, selecting the center-right senator and economist to address the country’s worst economic crisis in 40 years. Paz, 58, campaigned on slashing public spending, especially on fuel subsidies, and vowed a “capitalism for all” approach to economic reform in a marked shift from the preceding two decades of socialist government. The president-elect, who will assume office on November 8, has promised that his governance style will be one of “consensus,” as he hopes to gain public trust in a divided society. For in-depth analysis and a deeper perspective, Eve Irvine welcomes Dr. John Crabtree, Research Associate at the Latin American Centre in the University of Oxford.