Key facts
- Oscar Mario Justiniano Pinto has been named interim Economy Minister of Bolivia.
- Jose Gabriel Espinoza was removed from the Economy Minister post.
- The move follows a congressional vote to censure Espinoza.
- Espinoza had stated he would pursue legal action against the censure.
- Pinto, previously the environment minister, will hold the position temporarily.
Bolivia's government has appointed Oscar Mario Justiniano Pinto as interim Economy Minister, replacing Jose Gabriel Espinoza. The decision, formalized in a presidential decree published in the Official Gazette, comes after Bolivia's Congress voted to censure Espinoza. This censure represents a setback for President Rodrigo Paz's administration as it navigates economic challenges and seeks congressional approval for reforms and an IMF financing program.
Espinoza had announced his intention to take legal action against the censure, which he and the government considered unconstitutional, and to seek a review from the nation's top constitutional tribunal. Despite this, the decree confirmed Pinto's interim appointment. Pinto, who previously served as the environment minister, will lead the economy ministry until a permanent successor is named, though no timeline was provided.