Bolivia's Senate President downplays judicial budget amid broader reform talks

Bolivian political leaders are negotiating a coordinated agenda to address the judiciary’s demands, including budget increases and structural reform. After a meeting convened by the Vice Presidency with party leaders, the Assembly reached an agreement to respect the Constitution in appointing magistrates for the Constitutional Court and the Supreme Court of Justice.

Senate President Diego Ávila said the judiciary’s budget is “important but not the fundamental issue,” emphasizing a comprehensive reform plan that will start with a technical diagnosis and broad social consultation. Supreme Court President Romer Saucedo warned of a staged nationwide strike within 20 days if the government and legislature do not meet the judges’ demands, including a budget boost. The dialogue involves the Senate, the Chamber of Deputies, the Supreme Court, and ministries of Transparency and Budget.