AGP Executive Report

Bolivia’s Currency Shock: Bolivia ended its 15-year dollar peg and will move to a flexible exchange-rate system, with the central bank managing the transition as the government seeks stability amid dollar shortages and an IMF financing push. Evo Morales vs. Rodrigo Paz: President Rodrigo Paz renewed threats that “jail is coming” for Evo Morales amid an arrest warrant and renewed political tension as protests and roadblocks continue to simmer. Venezuela Earthquake Fallout: International aid is accelerating after twin earthquakes devastated Venezuela, with the Red Cross launching an emergency appeal and India sending relief under “Operation Amistad,” underscoring how disaster response is quickly becoming geopolitical. Regional Politics Watch: Colombia elected an “outsider” president, Abelardo de la Espriella, by a razor-thin margin—another sign of Latin America’s rightward shift that will shape diplomacy across the Andes. Local Governance & Social Needs: Iloilo City launched a rice assistance program tied to national policy, a reminder that food security often hinges on how quickly governments deliver on the ground.

Bolivia Economic Policy: Bolivia ended its 15-year dollar peg and will move to a flexible exchange-rate system, with the central bank managing the shift as the government seeks macro stability amid dollar shortages and an IMF-backed financing push. The official rate reportedly moved to about 9.73 bolivianos per dollar, signaling a sharp devaluation from the prior peg. Civil Unrest & Governance: After weeks of unrest tied to economic conditions and Evo Morales-linked mobilization, President Rodrigo Paz declared a “state of exception,” authorizing police and military to restore order and clear roadblocks—though coca growers in Chapare say the struggle continues. Regional Politics & Diplomacy: Bolivia’s crisis also spilled into sports logistics: Paraguay will host a 2026 FIA/CODASUR rally originally scheduled for Bolivia, citing “force majeure.” Humanitarian Watch: While not Bolivia-focused, the week’s biggest regional shock was Venezuela’s twin earthquakes, prompting major Red Cross appeals and international rescue efforts.

Exchange-Rate Overhaul: Bolivia ended its 15-year dollar peg and will move to a flexible exchange-rate system, with the central bank setting the new framework after dollar shortages and a parallel market pushed the currency far off the old official rate. Security & Protest Crackdown: President Rodrigo Paz authorized police and military to restore order after weeks of unrest tied to Evo Morales loyalists; a “state of exception” cleared some roadblocks, but coca growers in Chapare say the struggle continues. Economic Stability Test: The shift is tied to talks for an IMF financing package of at least $2.5 billion, as officials aim to stabilize inflation, protect competitiveness, and improve balance-of-payments conditions. Regional Shockwaves: Venezuela’s twin earthquakes are driving major humanitarian appeals, with the Red Cross seeking funds for La Guaira and Greater Caracas—an external pressure point for Bolivia’s diplomacy and aid posture.

Monetary Overhaul: Bolivia ended its 15-year dollar peg, moving to a flexible exchange-rate system after dollar shortages and falling reserves pushed the parallel rate near 20 bolivianos; the central bank now posts a new official rate around 9.73 per dollar, a sharp devaluation that sets up a major test for inflation control and investor confidence. Protest Crackdown vs. Resistance: Despite a protest ban and a state of emergency that authorizes army deployment and removal of roadblocks, coca growers in Evo Morales’ Chapare heartland say “the struggle continues,” signaling the political fight is far from over. Legal-Political Fallout: A Bolivian judicial probe into former Spanish PM José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero’s alleged influence operation is expanding after a UDEF report links payments tied to efforts favoring Peru’s Gloria Group and its SOBOCE cement interests. Regional Shockwaves: While not Bolivia-specific, the week’s biggest humanitarian story is Venezuela’s twin earthquakes, with Red Cross appeals and international aid ramping up as death tolls and missing persons rise. International Politics Watch: Colombia’s tight runoff delivered a Trump-aligned right-wing win for Abelardo de la Espriella, with Petro and opponents disputing the result—another sign of the region’s rightward shift.

Bolivia Energy Crisis: Protests in La Paz are intensifying over President Rodrigo Paz’s proposed Electricity and Renewable Energy Law, with demonstrators warning it could end ENDE’s monopoly and open the door to private control as shortages and rising costs fuel a broader strike. Bolivia Protest Crackdown: In Morales’ Chapare heartland, coca growers are openly defying Paz’s state-of-emergency protest ban, signaling roadblocks could return even as the government authorizes army deployment to clear highways. Bolivia Legal Fight: Bolivia’s Plus Ultra investigation expands after a UDEF report alleges former Spanish PM José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero used influence to benefit Peru’s Gloria Group and its SOBOCE interests, while Zapatero denies wrongdoing. Venezuela Earthquake Response: A double earthquake has killed at least 589 people and left thousands injured and missing, with La Guaira hardest hit; Venezuela declares emergency measures and international aid ramps up. International Aid & Diplomacy: Iraq pledges humanitarian support to Venezuela, while Red Cross appeals and other relief operations seek to scale help for the disaster zone. Regional Politics Shift: Colombia’s runoff victory by Trump-backed conservative Abelardo de la Espriella is framed as part of a wider rightward turn across Latin America, with implications for the region’s political direction.

Bolivia Energy Crisis: Protests in La Paz are escalating over President Rodrigo Paz’s proposed Electricity and Renewable Energy Law, which would open the market to private competition and end ENDE’s monopoly—miners, teachers, unions, and campesinos are converging on the capital amid shortages, fuel-price pressure, and calls for Paz to resign. Zapatero Probe in Bolivia: The Bolivian case tied to former Spanish PM José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero is expanding after investigators folded in a UDEF report alleging political influence efforts to benefit Peru’s Grupo Gloria and its cement firm SOBOCE; Zapatero denies wrongdoing and the matter remains in the investigation stage. Venezuela Earthquake Response (Regional Impact): A double earthquake (7.2 and 7.5) has killed hundreds and left thousands injured and missing, with La Guaira hardest hit; Venezuela has declared a state of emergency and international aid is arriving, including an IFRC appeal and pledges from multiple countries.

Energy & Protests in La Paz: Bolivia’s government is pushing a new Electricity and Renewable Energy Law that would open the market to private competition and end ENDE’s monopoly, but protesters in La Paz say it risks privatization and foreign control as the national strike drags into its third week, with shortages and rising costs fueling calls for President Rodrigo Paz to resign. Bolivia Legal/Political Fight: The opposition Alianza Libre plans to petition the Senate for a commission to investigate alleged Zapatero mediation interference tied to a reported €200,000 payment connected to a Peruvian firm, escalating scrutiny in Bolivia’s political crisis. Venezuela Earthquake Aid (Regional Impact): Twin quakes (7.2 and 7.5) devastated Venezuela, with deaths and injuries climbing fast and a state of emergency declared; multiple countries, including Bolivia, offered support as rescue teams work in hard-hit La Guaira and Caracas. Climate & Water Research: Four graduate students presented high-elevation climate research, including Bolivia-focused work, highlighting how changing snow and glaciers can reshape downstream water supplies. World Trade Angle: Japan is set to negotiate a Mercosur economic partnership that includes Bolivia, with tariff cuts and quota fights—especially over beef—expected to dominate talks.

Bolivia Senate Probe: Bolivia’s main opposition, Alianza Libre, says it will file a formal Senate petition to create a commission investigating alleged interference by former Spanish PM José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, tied to a reported €200,000 payment linked to mediation involving Bolivia and a Peruvian firm. Venezuela Earthquake Response: Twin quakes (7.2 and 7.5) have killed at least 164 and injured 971, with La Guaira described as a “disaster zone” as rescue teams intensify searches; the government declared a state of emergency and reported major damage including closure of Caracas’s main airport and telecom disruptions. Regional Politics Watch: A new wave of rightward shifts across Latin America continues to reshape the political map, with Colombia’s runoff ending in a narrow win for Trump-backed hardliner Abelardo de la Espriella after Iván Cepeda conceded. Energy & Minerals Lens: A new analysis argues lithium’s next boom hinges less on geology and more on governance, warning Latin America’s past boom-bust cycles could repeat without stronger institutions.

Venezuela Disaster Response: Acting President Delcy Rodríguez confirmed at least 32 deaths and 700+ injuries after twin earthquakes (7.2 and 7.5) struck within about a minute, with La Guaira labeled a “disaster zone,” dozens of buildings collapsed, the main airport closed, and schools suspended as rescue teams and international aid mobilize. Bolivia Protest Fallout: Bolivia’s roadblock crisis eased after weeks of unrest tied to Evo Morales-aligned cocalero unions, but leaders framed the pause as “not surrender,” keeping pressure on President Rodrigo Paz and his emergency measures. Bolivia Politics in Court: Spain’s former PM José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero faces scrutiny in Bolivia-linked legal proceedings after police say chats show efforts to contact Bolivia’s president (then Luis Arce) tied to an alleged 200,000-euro intermediary payment. Regional Security at OAS: Trinidad and Tobago’s Nicholas Morris warned at the OAS that trafficking in firearms, drugs, and people threatens stability, calling for stronger hemispheric cooperation.

Bolivia Protest Crisis: After more than 50 days of anti-government road blockades, Bolivia’s government says all protest roadblocks have been cleared following a state of emergency, but Evo Morales loyalists insist it’s only a “pause,” not surrender—while shortages and accusations of political persecution continue to fuel tensions. International Pressure: The U.S. State Department and 14 regional governments warned that attempts to undermine Bolivia’s democratically elected government pose a “grave threat” to constitutional order, urging dialogue as blockades ease. Morales vs. Paz: Morales told AFP the government is “stoking a civil war” with neoliberal policies, as his supporters recalibrate after agreements questioned by social groups. Legal/Corruption Claim: Bolivia-linked Spanish-language reporting says Spain’s police believe former PM José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero received €200,000 for mediation favoring a Peruvian firm in Bolivia. Regional Politics Watch: Coverage also tracks the wider rightward shift in South America, with Colombia’s Trump-backed election of Abelardo de la Espriella framed as part of the trend that could reshape energy and climate policy across the region.

Bolivia Crisis Diplomacy: The U.S. State Department and 14 partner governments warned that Bolivia’s anti-government road blockades pose a “grave threat” to democracy and the rule of law, urging dialogue as protesters dismantle routes. Morales Camp Pauses Protests: Evo Morales’ Six Federations of the Cochabamba Tropics announced a strategic pause after weeks of shortages and deaths tied to blocked access to medical care. Emergency Measures Hold: Bolivia’s government says roads are cleared and no blockades remain after deploying the army under a state of emergency. Regional Politics Shift: Colombia’s runoff victory for Trump-backed right-wing lawyer Abelardo de la Espriella signals a broader rightward turn across Latin America, with U.S. officials already pledging closer security cooperation. BRICS Spotlight: India outlined its 2026 BRICS agenda in Moscow, emphasizing resilience, innovation, and cooperation—Bolivia among the attending delegations. Tragedy in the Air: A Bolivian Air Force Cessna crash killed six near Cochabamba, prompting an official investigation. Energy Context: A global map shows diesel prices surging since the Iran war, underscoring pressure on freight-heavy economies.

Bolivia Emergency Update: President Rodrigo Paz declared a 90-day state of emergency to end weeks of anti-government road blockades, authorizing wider military deployment and temporary restrictions on protest while parliament ratified the decree and authorities began reopening highways; shortages eased in La Paz as remaining blockades dropped sharply, though Evo Morales-aligned groups in Cochabamba vowed to keep resisting. Colombia Runoff Turns Right: Nationalist lawyer Abelardo de la Espriella won Colombia’s presidential runoff by about 1% over Ivan Cepeda, with final certification still pending amid challenges over alleged irregularities; his win is being read as another step in Latin America’s rightward shift. Regional Security & Diplomacy: Panama offered to host talks between Cuba and the U.S. to revive relations, while the BRICS 20th anniversary in Moscow highlighted India’s 2026 agenda on resilience, innovation, and cooperation—Bolivia among attending delegations. Bolivian Air Tragedy: A Bolivian Air Force Cessna crash during a civic mission killed all six aboard near Cerro Sayari in Cochabamba; an official investigation is underway.

Bolivia Emergency Crackdown: President Rodrigo Paz declared a 90-day state of emergency to deploy the military and restrict protest activity after 50+ days of road blockades choked supplies of food, fuel, and medicines; the decree takes effect immediately but must be reported to Congress within 24 hours, and by Monday shortages were easing as most roads reopened and remaining blockades fell to single digits. Morales Camp Signals Pause: Former President Evo Morales and allied federations announced a temporary halt to remaining blockades in Cochabamba, saying it’s not a surrender and insisting they never demanded Paz’s resignation. Crisis Turns Deadly: Amid the turmoil, a Bolivian Air Force support plane crashed in Cochabamba’s Cerro Sayari, killing all six aboard, underscoring how fast the political standoff is spilling into security and infrastructure breakdowns. Colombia Rightward Shift: In Colombia, Trump-backed outsider Abelardo de la Espriella led in the presidential runoff by about 1 point over Iván Cepeda, with Cepeda challenging results amid allegations of irregularities—another sign of a regional conservative swing.

Bolivia Road Crisis: Bolivia’s state of emergency is easing as authorities report roadblocks down to 11 nationwide, with police and the armed forces clearing highways and debris and a labor pact helping reduce gridlock. Security & Rights: The emergency decree—backed by lawmakers—temporarily expands military support for police to restore movement, while Evo Morales says essential services in Cochabamba’s Tropics are still being disrupted. Colombia Rightward Shift: In a major regional political signal, Trump-endorsed outsider Abelardo de la Espriella leads Colombia’s presidential runoff by about 250,000 votes, promising a crackdown on crime and an end to rebel talks if confirmed. U.S.-Bolivia Cooperation: The week also included coverage of U.S. support for Bolivia’s anti-drug efforts. Local Life in La Paz: Cochabamba opened Bolivia’s first municipal veterinary clinic with subsidized care, and La Paz’s historic La Perla hotel is set to reopen as a Hilton property after a $10M renovation.

Bolivia Crisis Watch: Bolivia’s government declared a 90-day state of emergency to end anti-government road blockades choking fuel, food, and medical supplies, with parliament overwhelmingly ratifying the decree and security forces clearing highways around La Paz and other cities; Public Safety & Accountability: the crackdown unfolded alongside a deadly Bolivian Air Force crash during aerial patrol/assistance work on the La Paz–Cochabamba route, killing six and prompting an investigation; Protest Dynamics: some blockades eased after agreements (including in Santa Cruz’s San Julián) and at least one La Paz campesino federation paused actions, though demands remain and coca-grower unions linked to Evo Morales continue resistance in the Chapare; Colombia Regional Shift: in a separate political shock, Colombia elected Trump-backed right-wing lawyer Abelardo de la Espriella in a razor-thin runoff over Ivan Cepeda, signaling a broader rightward turn across Latin America.

Bolivia Crisis: President Rodrigo Paz declared a 90-day state of emergency and deployed soldiers and bulldozers to clear anti-government road blockades blamed for fuel, food, and medicine shortages; the Legislative Assembly approved the decree, and authorities reported no active protest blockades in the country by Sunday, though cleanup and repairs remain. Human Toll & Rights Debate: Reports cite at least 17 deaths tied to disrupted medical care, with hundreds arrested amid clashes; opposition groups and social federations denounced the move as “militarization” and vowed to keep resisting. Negotiations & Partial De-escalation: In Santa Cruz, officials and protesters agreed to lift the blockade in San Julián, while some groups in La Paz paused actions without dropping demands. Colombia Runoff Watch: Sunday’s presidential runoff pits hard-right, Trump-backed lawyer Abelardo de la Espriella against leftist senator Iván Cepeda, with security and the future of the peace process dominating the vote.