# Political instability and succession dispute in Bolivia > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/political-instability-in-bolivia > Updated: 2026-09-22T20:28:59.000Z. Sources: 17. Developments: 2. Bolivian President Rodrigo Paz has faced mounting political instability characterized by corruption allegations, party fractures, and social unrest. The PDC party officially severed ties with the government, citing a loss of public trust, while the Asamblea de la Cruceñidad issued an ultimatum regarding a diesel crisis. This instability evolved into a constitutional controversy when both President Paz and Vice President Edmand Lara traveled abroad simultaneously. President Paz is in the United States for the United Nations General Assembly, while Vice President Lara is in Paraguay for an artificial intelligence summit. This absence has sparked a debate over the line of succession, with some lawmakers warning of a “power vacuum” and demanding strict adherence to traditional protocols. While the government defends the President’s ability to govern remotely via digital tools established by Supreme Decree 5515, the Vice Presidency has suggested that Senate President Diego Ávila Navajas should assume command during Lara's absence. Attorney General Roger Mariaca has publicly recognized Ávila as the “constitutional president” in the absence of the top two executives. However, the Senate has dismissed claims that Ávila would automatically assume the presidency, asserting that Paz maintains his mandate through established technological means. Amidst these disputes, Vice President Lara has criticized the high cost of the President’s trip to the U.S., estimating the expense for the presidential aircraft, lodging, and delegation could reach between $200,000 and $250,000. ## Claims - Vice President Edmand Lara announced that Senate President Diego Ávila Navajas would serve as substitute President of the Plurinational Legislative Assembly during Lara's trip to Paraguay. (disputed by 4 sources) - The government maintains that President Paz can continue exercising his functions from abroad using digital governance tools established by Supreme Decree 5515. (disputed by 3 sources) - Attorney General Roger Mariaca publicly recognized Senate President Diego Ávila as the constitutional president of Bolivia during the simultaneous absence of the President and Vice President. (disputed) - Edmand Lara traveled to Paraguay on September 22 to engage in official meetings and sign a cooperation agreement with the Global Council for Tolerance and Peace. (corroborated by 5 sources) - President Rodrigo Paz is in the United States attending the United Nations General Assembly. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Parliamentarians Rómulo Villca and Elisa Claros warned of a potential power vacuum and demanded adherence to the constitutional line of succession. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Vice President Edmand Lara estimated that President Rodrigo Paz's trip to the United States could cost the state between $200,000 and $250,000. (corroborated by 2 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-22: Bolivia faces succession dispute as President and VP travel abroad Bolivia faces a constitutional dispute over presidential succession as President Rodrigo Paz and VP Edmand Lara are both abroad, sparking debate over digital governance and leadership authority. 14 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bolivia-faces-succession-controversy-as-president-and-vice-president-travel-abroad ### 2026-09-09: Bolivia: President Rodrigo Paz faces political pressure and party split President Rodrigo Paz faces political instability in Bolivia as the PDC party breaks with the government and the Asamblea de la Cruceñidad threatens protests over the diesel crisis. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bolivia-president-rodrigo-paz-faces-political-pressure-and-party-split --- Cite as: Political instability and succession dispute in Bolivia. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/political-instability-in-bolivia