LA PAZ, Bolivia: Bolivia’s Economy Minister José Gabriel Espinoza is facing possible removal from office after lawmakers voted to censure him, opening a new political dispute between Congress and President Rodrigo Paz’s government at a difficult time for the country’s economy.
The censure motion passed on Tuesday with 91 votes in favour, 34 against and four abstentions, with 129 lawmakers present.
Espinoza was called before Congress to answer questions about the government’s handling of the economy, including monetary policy, economic planning and continuing shortages of fuel and foreign currency.
However, the minister did not attend the hearing. Espinoza said he needed to travel to Santa Cruz to deal with diesel supply problems before continuing to Brazil on official business. He had asked lawmakers to postpone the session, but Congress went ahead with the proceedings.
His absence became the main reason behind the vote to censure him.
Government Challenges the Vote
President Rodrigo Paz’s administration has rejected the outcome, arguing that Congress did not have enough votes to legally remove the minister.
Presidential spokesperson José Luis Gálvez said the government believes a censure motion requires a two-thirds majority of Bolivia’s 166-member Congress, equal to 111 votes.
Since only 91 lawmakers supported the motion, the administration argues that the decision does not meet the constitutional requirement.
Espinoza has said he plans to take the dispute to Bolivia’s Constitutional Tribunal, the country’s highest court for constitutional matters.
The challenge could allow him to remain in office while judges decide whether Congress followed the correct procedure.
Under Bolivia’s constitution, the president is generally required to remove a minister within 24 hours of receiving formal notice of a valid censure. The government, however, says that requirement should not apply until the legality of Tuesday’s vote is settled.
Economic Reform Plans Face New Pressure
The political confrontation comes at a sensitive moment for President Paz. His government is trying to push through a wider economic reform programme as Bolivia continues to struggle with fuel shortages, limited access to foreign currency and pressure on public finances.
The administration is also seeking congressional support for a financing programme negotiated with the International Monetary Fund in July. The programme still requires further approval before it can move ahead.
Government officials see access to international financing as an important part of efforts to stabilise the economy and ease pressure on the country’s supply of foreign currency.
Espinoza has been closely involved in that strategy and has played a major role in discussions with international lenders.
His possible departure could therefore create fresh uncertainty around the government’s economic plans.
Tensions Between Congress and the Government Grow
Espinoza has been part of Paz’s administration since the government took office in November 2025 and has emerged as one of the leading figures behind its economic policies.
He described the censure as a sign of what he called growing political interference in the government’s work, arguing that official responsibilities sometimes clash with schedules set by lawmakers.
The dispute is also politically important because it represents one of the most serious confrontations between Paz’s administration and Congress since the president took office.
If Espinoza is eventually forced out, the government would lose a senior official at a time when it is asking lawmakers to support difficult economic decisions.
If the Constitutional Tribunal instead rules in the government’s favour, the case could raise wider questions about how Congress can hold ministers accountable.
Espinoza Also Faces Questions Over Vehicle Purchase
The economy minister has recently faced separate criticism over the reported purchase of an Audi vehicle that was declared at a value said to be significantly below its market price.
Espinoza has denied wrongdoing and said the difference was caused by an administrative or paperwork error.
The controversy has added to political pressure on the minister but is separate from the congressional questioning that led to Tuesday’s censure vote.
What Happens Next?
Attention will now turn to the Constitutional Tribunal and whether it agrees to review the government’s challenge. Until the legal question is settled, Espinoza’s position remains uncertain.
For President Paz, the dispute is about more than the future of one minister. It comes as his government needs political support to address Bolivia’s economic problems, secure international financing and restore confidence in its reform programme.
A prolonged fight with Congress could make those goals harder to achieve, while Espinoza’s removal could force the government to reorganise its economic team during an already fragile period for the Bolivian economy.
New Jersey Times Is Your Source: The Latest In Politics, Entertainment, Business, Breaking News, And Other News. Please Follow Us On Facebook, Instagram, And Twitter To Receive Instantaneous Updates. Also Do Checkout Our Telegram Channel @Njtdotcom For Latest Updates.
A political science PhD who jumped the academic ship to cover real-time governance, Olivia is the East Coast's sharpest watchdog. She dissects power plays in Trenton and D.C. without bias or apology.
