Bolivia’s government has appointed Oscar Mario Justiniano Pinto as interim economy minister, replacing Jose Gabriel Espinoza following his removal from the position, according to a presidential decree published in the Official Gazette on Friday.
The change comes just days after Bolivia’s Congress voted to censure Espinoza, dealing a setback to President Rodrigo Paz’s administration as the government faces mounting economic challenges.
Espinoza said on Tuesday that he planned to challenge the censure through legal action, arguing that the decision was unconstitutional. He also said he would seek a review of the matter by the country’s top constitutional tribunal.
Paz’s administration had initially said Espinoza would remain in office while the tribunal considered the dispute.
However, Friday’s decree confirmed that Pinto, who previously served as Bolivia’s environment minister, would take over the economy portfolio on an interim basis until a permanent replacement is appointed.
The decree did not specify when a permanent economy minister would be named.
Espinoza’s removal comes at a sensitive period for Paz’s government, which is seeking congressional support for a series of economic reforms.
The administration is also pursuing approval for a financing programme negotiated with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in July. The package still requires approval from both Bolivia’s Congress and the IMF Executive Board.
The leadership change could add further pressure to the government as it works to secure political backing for its economic agenda and address the country’s financial challenges.
