Bolivia Breaks with ALBA Under Rodrigo Paz Pereira's Leadership After Electoral Victory and Announces Restored Ties with the US, Leaving the Bloc on the Brink of Collapse for Supporting Authoritarian Regimes

 Bolivia's president-elect, Rodrigo Paz Pereira, has announced the nation's withdrawal from the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America (ALBA), following his electoral victory. This shift marks a significant change in Bolivia's foreign relations and political stance.

1. Withdrawal from ALBA:

• On October 25, 2025, Rodrigo Paz Pereira declared Bolivia's immediate exit from ALBA, a regional group led by Cuba and Venezuela.

• This decision rejects the support for authoritarian regimes within the bloc and indicates a crisis in ALBA's viability.

2. Economic Challenges:

• Bolivia is facing severe economic issues, including low international reserves, a dollar shortage, and high inflation close to 15%.

• Previous governments in Bolivia, particularly under Evo Morales and Luis Arce, had integrated Bolivia into ALBA, but the benefits were overshadowed by economic decline and dependency on external aid.

3. Future Alliances:

• Paz intends to strengthen ties with countries that prioritize genuine democratic principles, directly criticizing dictatorships in Havana, Caracas, and Managua.

• He plans to restore diplomatic relations with the United States to attract investment and tackle drug trafficking.

4. Political Context:

• Rodrigo Paz, from the Christian Democratic Party (PDC), won the recent election with 55% of the vote and will assume office on November 8.

• His administration aims for economic reforms, promoting "capitalism for all," decentralization, and market openness, moving away from previous statist models.

5. ALBA's Response:

• In reaction to Bolivia's withdrawal, ALBA suspended the country, labeling Paz's government as "ultra-rightist" and denouncing its connection with the U. S.

• ALBA has lost influence in recent years, with its membership dwindling, and its economic structures deemed ineffective.

6. Impact of Withdrawal:

• Bolivia's exit is significant as it is a major producer of lithium and gas, important resources for energy transition.

• There is potential support from the U. S. and EU to help address Bolivia's fuel and dollar shortages.

7. Changing Political Climate:

• This shift aligns Bolivia with a growing trend of democratic governments in the region, positioning it against '21st-century socialism' that has led to corruption and dependency.

8. Public Opinion:

• Despite former President Morales calling for a referendum against U. S. relations, polls indicate that 60% of Bolivians prioritize economic recovery over ideological concerns.

Bolivia's departure from ALBA signifies a pivotal moment in its political landscape as it seeks to distance itself from authoritarian alliances. Under Rodrigo Paz Pereira’s leadership, the nation aims to recover economically and re-establish itself within the global community, signaling hope for Bolivians in the pursuit of jobs, stability, and democratic governance. 

https://gatewayhispanic.com/2025/10/bolivia-breaks-alba-under-rodrigo-paz-pereiras-leadership/