Bolivia President Paz's 50/50 policy

In late July 2026 President Rodrigo Paz reiterated that Bolivia’s health and education services will stay free, dismissing claims that the upcoming “50‑50” fiscal plan would shift costs to families. He warned that accusations of privatisation are politically motivated.

During the 201‑year independence celebrations, Paz convened a meeting with the nine departmental governors on 5 August in Sucre. The summit, preceded by his visits to Santa Cruz and San Ignacio de Velasco, will address state reform, the “50/50” proposal and deeper decentralisation, while also showcasing cultural events and a new road‑corridor agreement with Brazil.

On 3 August Paz launched a new reform phase aimed at curbing centralism. The cabinet was trimmed from 14 to 12 ministries, and an austerity agenda was announced. A legislative package introducing revised Investment, Mining and Hydrocarbons laws accompanies the reforms, intended to modernise the economy, attract investment and give greater prominence to the nine departments as the “50/50” model is discussed with regional authorities.