Escándalos irresueltos dañan la imagen de Paz y el Gobierno

**Bolivian Government Faces Declining Popularity Amid Unresolved Scandals**

The administration of President Rodrigo Paz is facing significant public scrutiny as a series of unresolved corruption allegations and irregularities continue to emerge nine months into his term. Political analysts and recent polling suggest these controversies are contributing to a sharp decline in the government’s public approval.

According to a recent survey by Ciesmori, President Paz’s popularity has fallen from 65% in the early months of his administration to 21% as of August 2026.

**Focus on Viru Viru Airport**
Several high-profile cases have been linked to the Viru Viru airport in Santa Cruz, fueling public concern regarding state oversight and security. These include:

* **The “32 Suitcases” Case:** On November 29, 2025, a private flight from the United States arrived in Santa Cruz carrying 32 suitcases belonging to former legislator Laura Rojas. Reports indicate that Rojas allegedly used an expired diplomatic passport to bypass standard controls. The suitcases were later moved to a private security firm linked to former judge Hebert Zeballos before disappearing. Both Rojas and Zeballos were granted house arrest, a decision that has drawn criticism for a lack of transparency.
* **Weapons and Gold:** Authorities have yet to provide a formal report regarding a shipment of weapons seized at the airport. Additionally, 189 kilograms of gold were confiscated from an individual attempting to transport the cargo to Dubai.
* **Fernando Cerimedo:** The arrest of Argentine consultant Fernando Cerimedo, an advisor to President Paz, also occurred at the airport. The circumstances surrounding his detention remain unclear, with conflicting reports on whether he was arriving or attempting to depart the country.

**Analysis of Government Response**
Political analyst Miroslava Fernández characterized the government’s handling of these events as a pattern of “opacity, inaction, and impunity.” Fernández argued that the administration’s failure to provide clear explanations has led to a “vacuum of information,” forcing the public to speculate on the nature of these incidents.

Regarding the “32 suitcases” case, a commission of assembly members attempted an investigation, but the Chamber of Deputies rejected their report, citing a lack of objectivity and insufficient evidence.

**Broader Institutional Concerns**
Critics have raised concerns about the potential misuse of state intelligence apparatuses. Fernández pointed to allegations that the head of intelligence for the Special Force to Fight Drug Trafficking (FELCN), Erick Correa Gonzales, allegedly monitored the scene of an attack on Nadia Beller and reported to a foreign consultant, suggesting that state resources were being used for private security purposes.

Furthermore, allegations of bribery involving 28 assembly members and reports of business dealings involving the President’s inner circle have contributed to what analysts describe as a crisis of institutional legitimacy.

While the government, through Minister of Government Marco Antonio Oviedo, has previously stated that it supports transparency and that no one is above the law, analysts suggest that the lack of procedural results is fueling social unrest. As the administration faces these challenges, there are reports of various sectors preparing for public demonstrations, challenging the current state of exception.

Article and image source: lostiempos.com