Bolivia President Rodrigo Paz Calls for Fulfilment of ‘New Switzerland’ Promise

President Rodrigo Paz reiterated a long‑standing political promise that Bolivia should reach a level of development comparable to Switzerland. Citing past administrations, he said the country was once pledged to become “the new Switzerland” and stressed that the goal should be achieved through truth, a culture of trust, and by delivering on unkept promises of the last two decades. Paz highlighted Bolivia’s potential as South America’s energy hub and urged that the nation become a model others would want to emulate.

The comparison originally appeared in former President Evo Morales’s speeches, including his 2006 inauguration and a 2007 interview where he claimed Bolivia could equal Switzerland despite having abundant natural resources and widespread poverty. Paz’s remarks revive that narrative while emphasizing a uniquely Bolivian path forward.