Bolivia’s President Critiques Socialism at UN General Assembly
During his inaugural speech at the United Nations General Assembly on Thursday, President Rodrigo Paz of Bolivia expressed strong disapproval of socialism, which he claims has devastated his country for the past two decades.
Paz mentioned that his administration is dedicated to revitalizing Bolivia, restoring its global relationships, and rebuilding trust among its citizens, arguing that socialism fails to provide essential needs—like food—unlike work and production do.
Having taken office ten months ago in November 2025, Paz is a former senator from the Christian Democratic Party (PDC). His election marked an end to a long-standing rule by the Movement Towards Socialism (MAS), initially led by former president Evo Morales, who faced allegations of pedophilia, and subsequently by Luis Arce, Morales’ former ally. Shortly after becoming president, Paz re-established diplomatic relations with the United States, which had been severed by Morales. He pledged to maintain friendly connections with the U.S. and neighboring democratic nations, contrasting the previous administration’s alignment with authoritarian regimes like those in Venezuela, Cuba, Nicaragua, and Iran.
Paz opened his speech by acknowledging Bolivia’s challenging history with poverty, but he also highlighted the nation’s resilience and the value it places on hard work. He characterized Bolivia as a society that understands the importance of unity, holding onto hope for a brighter future even amid economic and political turmoil.
While recognizing the harsh realities Bolivia currently faces, Paz emphasized that these issues stem from two decades of ideological struggles on the continent.
Referring back to a pivotal moment, he mentioned a speech by Hugo Chávez in 2006 at the U.N., in which Chávez claimed the podium “smells like sulfur,” implying a rejection of former President George W. Bush. Paz connected this to Morales’ earlier remarks where he displayed a coca leaf as part of his speech at the same assembly, which Paz believes undermined the nation’s progress by turning it into a symbol of betrayal.
In his address, Paz cited that Bolivia, once a significant player in gas and mining sectors, now finds itself negotiating with international organizations due to its economic decline. He remarked that, while Chávez and Morales identified as socialists, he advocates for “capitalism for all,” aiming to attract investment back into the country.
“Socialism and ideology don’t feed people,” Paz stated, asserting that employment and economic development are the true means to ensure food security.
Noting his administration’s success, he revealed that when he assumed office, Bolivia’s Central Bank reserves had been nearly depleted, holding just $53 million. In a short span, those reserves have grown to almost $1.2 billion, with aspirations to reach $4 billion by year-end and projections of nearly $10 billion in the next 18 months.
Paz acknowledged that while these figures may not seem substantial on the global stage, they represent a significant recovery effort for Bolivia—a crucial step towards strengthening democracy and improving national productivity.
He declared Bolivia’s commitment to make changes without looking back, noting that the country is in the process of restoring its economy and institutions while also addressing urgent challenges like fuel shortages. The ultimate goal is to rebuild trust among Bolivians and strive for progress.
Paz expressed a desire for Bolivia to evolve into a producer and exporter, seeking investments and technological resources while ensuring that the nation remains focused on its people and rich biodiversity. He stressed the importance of partnerships in critical minerals like copper and lithium, advocating for a responsible approach that goes beyond mere extraction.
Throughout his remarks, he emphasized the need for every member state of the U.N. to offer young people a meaningful purpose. Despite ongoing struggles, President Paz’s government is making strides to give Bolivian youth a sense of direction.
He concluded his address with a passionate declaration, stating, “We never give in. Long live the homeland, damn it, long live Bolivia.”
