Summary of "EN VIVO | DEBATE PRESIDENCIAL 2025 | RODRIGO PAZ VS TUTO QUIROGA"

2025 Bolivian Presidential Runoff Debate

The 2025 Bolivian presidential debate featured the two runoff candidates, Rodrigo Paz Pereira (Christian Democratic Party) and Jorge “Tuto” Quiroga (Free Alliance), presenting and defending their platforms across six key thematic axes. Organized by the Supreme Electoral Tribunal, the debate aimed to provide Bolivians with clear, respectful, and substantive proposals ahead of the October 19 election.

Opening and Context

The debate was historic, marking the first runoff debate in Bolivia, held amid economic, social, and political challenges.
The Supreme Electoral Tribunal emphasized the need for reconciliation, dialogue, and informed voting.
A controversial legislative bill aimed at removing Tribunal members to avoid the runoff was denounced as cynical and unjustified.

Debate Format and Rules

Candidates had timed presentations, followed by cycles of questions, answers, replies, and rejoinders on six thematic axes.
Moderators ensured respect, adherence to rules, and equal participation.
Candidates were prohibited from using offensive language or partisan paraphernalia.

Thematic Axes and Key Proposals

1. Economic Measures

Rodrigo Paz: Advocated for “Capitalism for All,” emphasizing:
- Fuel availability
- Exchange rate stability via a band system
- Tax relief on fines (not capital)
- Subsidy cuts targeting smuggling and corruption
- Streamlined administrative procedures He stressed leveraging over $3.5 billion in approved international loans and fostering production and exports.
Tuto Quiroga: Highlighted the urgent need for a substantial injection of dollars to:
- Restore confidence
- End fuel shortages
- Curb inflation He criticized past inefficiencies in utilizing international loans and promoted organic monetization programs to support vulnerable populations.
Both agreed on the importance of dollars to stabilize the economy but differed on mechanisms and timelines.

2. Social Containment Measures

Rodrigo Paz: Called for an end to confrontation politics, respect for democracy, social peace, and targeted subsidies to vulnerable groups. He promised respect for social bonds and a government of consensus.
Tuto Quiroga: Emphasized organic monetization to finance social programs, short-term employment initiatives, and protecting social bonuses while tackling inflation and fuel shortages.
The debate touched on subsidy policies, with Paz advocating subsidy cuts to those who can pay, and Quiroga warning about social impacts.

3. Justice, Legal Security, and Citizen Security

Tuto Quiroga: Proposed:
- Merit-based judicial reform
- Digitalization
- Cumulative sentences for repeat offenders
- Ending politically motivated preventive detention
- Strong fight against organized crime and drug trafficking
Rodrigo Paz: Supported:
- Meritocracy and transparency (including blockchain for judicial processes)
- AI to expedite cases
- Release of political prisoners
- Decentralization of police forces He announced a national justice reform meeting planned for November 9.
Both agreed on the need for constitutional reform to improve justice and security.

4. Health and Education

Tuto Quiroga: Proposed:
- Prioritization of spending
- Digitalization (Wi-Fi and satellite internet access)
- Decentralization of health and education budgets (62% to subnational governments)
- Reforms to improve quality and access
Rodrigo Paz: Advocated:
- A 50-50 budget split with regions
- Universal digital health insurance
- Professionalization of medical careers
- Improved infrastructure
- Education free from ideological influence He emphasized bilingual education and free English lessons.
Both supported decentralization and improving public services but differed on the degree and implementation.

5. Hydrocarbons and Lithium

Rodrigo Paz: Criticized Bolivia’s geopolitical isolation and called for:
- A new hydrocarbon law with a 50-50 risk-sharing model
- Increased production
- Audits of YPFB (state oil company)
- Industrialization of lithium beyond batteries into broader chemical products He emphasized combating corruption and smuggling.
Tuto Quiroga: Stressed the need for:
- A new hydrocarbon law to attract investment
- Competitive tax regimes
- Liberalizing fuel imports Proposed special economic zones for lithium battery production and individual property rights for lithium resources, offering $500 per citizen as part of a “popular property” plan.
Both agreed on modernizing hydrocarbon policy and industrializing lithium but differed on specific policies and ownership models.

6. Mining, Agriculture, and Tourism

Rodrigo Paz: Aimed to:
- Triple mining production in five years
- Eliminate burdensome taxes to encourage reinvestment
- Modernize mining with digital tools
- Support cooperatives Advocated legal certainty for agriculture, biotechnologies, and public-private transformation of agricultural institutions. Supported a national gold plan and infrastructure improvements.
Tuto Quiroga: Proposed:
- Tax reductions (VAT, payroll, corporate)
- A new mining law balancing revenue and competitiveness
- Agricultural law ensuring legal security and biotechnology
- Ecological brigades
- A green royalty for indigenous communities preserving forests Promoted tourism through open skies, visa elimination, and national branding.
Both emphasized environmental responsibility, indigenous rights, and economic diversification.

Closing Remarks and Tone

Both candidates expressed commitment to Bolivia’s unity, democracy, and prosperity.
Rodrigo Paz emphasized a vision of capitalism for all, regional autonomy, and ending the “state of gridlock.”
Tuto Quiroga focused on restoring confidence, ending fuel shortages, and ensuring individual property rights.
The debate concluded with a call for unity and respect regardless of the election outcome.

Presenters and Contributors

Juan Carlos – Main host/moderator
Mayajauregui – Co-host/commentator
Dr. Óscar Hassen Toifel – President of the Supreme Electoral Tribunal (opening remarks)
Jorge Tejerina – Co-moderator for the second block
Various commentators and streaming platform hosts mentioned in promotional segments

Summary

This historic runoff debate in Bolivia showcased detailed policy proposals from Rodrigo Paz Pereira and Jorge “Tuto” Quiroga on critical issues such as economic stabilization, social protection, justice reform, health and education, hydrocarbons and lithium industrialization, and mining and agriculture development. Both candidates emphasized ending corruption, restoring confidence, and decentralizing power, though they differed in approaches, especially regarding economic management and resource ownership. The debate was conducted respectfully under the auspices of the Supreme Electoral Tribunal, aiming to inform voters ahead of the October 19 election.

End of Summary