Bolivia President Rodrigo Paz Cuts Ministries Amid Plummeting Approval

President Rodrigo Paz announced that his administration reduced the number of ministries from 21 to 12, saying the move will cut public‑sector spending and free resources for infrastructure projects and other works that benefit Bolivians. He argued that a leaner executive will be more efficient and that funds should be directed to public works rather than salaries.

At the same time, a recent Ipsos Ciesmori poll shows Paz’s approval rating falling sharply, from 65% in November 2025 to 32% in July 2026, while disapproval rose to 55%. The decline follows a series of nationwide road blockades that lasted more than 50 days, causing shortages of food, fuel and medical oxygen, at least 16 deaths, and economic losses estimated at about $3 billion (roughly 5% of Bolivia’s GDP). The government responded with a state of emergency and sought a $1.9 billion IMF program to stabilize the economy.