Bolivia appoints Christian Morales as new Economy Minister

Bolivian President Rodrigo Paz has appointed Christian Morales as the new Minister of Economy and Public Finance, replacing José Gabriel Espinoza following Espinoza’s censure by the legislature. Morales, an economist with experience at the IMF, assumes the role during a period of significant economic challenges, including fuel shortages, currency instability, and fiscal deficits.

President Paz has tasked Morales with securing between $7 billion and $10 billion in international investment and financing through negotiations with multilateral organizations. A key priority for the new administration is the implementation of the ‘50-50’ plan, a policy aimed at increasing regional autonomy and decentralizing resource distribution to reduce central government control.

In addition to macroeconomic stabilization, the new minister faces immediate pressure regarding diesel subsidies and municipal funding. Representatives from the Federation of Municipal Associations of Bolivia (FAM) are scheduled to meet with the President to discuss the impact of fuel costs and the proposed 50-50 resource distribution model on local governments.