On a telephone conversation on Monday 20 October 2025, Paraguayan President Santiago Peña congratulated Bolivia’s President-elect Rodrigo Paz Pereira on his recent electoral triumph. Paz secured a landmark victory in Bolivia’s presidential runoff election on Sunday, earning him the title of president-elect.
The win of Paz and his Christian Democratic Party (Partido Demócrata Cristiano, or PDC) draws widespread support from regional and international leaders. The call underscored a commitment to strengthening ties between the two South American nations.
“A renewed bond of brotherhood”
During the call, according to government’s information, the Paraguayan President expressed optimism about Paz’s leadership, stating that his election “represents a new opportunity to renew hope and strengthen the bonds of brotherhood between Paraguay and Bolivia.”
Peña emphasised a shared commitment to fostering mutual respect and solidarity. Peña reaffirmed his dedication to deepening cooperation, highlighting a “shared vision of development and prosperity for our people.” The conversation signalled a mutual desire to advance bilateral relations, with both leaders poised to collaborate on initiatives that promote regional stability and growth.
Broad support across the Americas
Paz’s victory has resonated beyond Bolivia’s borders, with leaders from Latin America and the United States praising the democratic process. Political figures across the region have expressed optimism about Bolivia’s future under Paz’s leadership, anticipating progress and stability in the Andean nation.
The telephone exchange between Peña and Paz marks a promising step towards reinforced ties, “as both nations look to build on their historic relationship for the benefit of their citizens.”
The two countries have a longstanding history together. On June 12 1935, the Peace Protocol signed in Buenos Aires brought an end to three years of fierce fighting between Bolivia and Paraguay over the Chaco Boreal. This marked the beginning of the Chaco shift that has resulted in a strong bilateral relation, now exemplified by a model of diplomatic, commercial, and political cooperation between two nations once locked in a brutal struggle.
Bolivia’s President-Elect’s first speech
The presidential runoff consolidates the end of a political cycle dominated by the Movement Toward Socialism (Movimiento Al Socialismo, or MAS). The coalition, which has governed Bolivia since 2006 except for one year, was defeated in the first round in August, when it obtained just 3.1% of the vote.
In his first speech as president-elect, Paz called for unity and said he was willing to work with “all men and women who care about the country.” The election winner thanked the regional presidents who called him to express their congratulations and stated that “Bolivia is gradually regaining its international presence.”
