The vice president drives erosion of the president’s image | El vicepresidente impulsa desgaste de la imagen presidencial

By Luis Alberto Ruiz, La Patria:

Analyst says

Luis Alberto Ruiz, political analyst / Erbol

Political analyst Luis Alberto Ruiz warns that Edmand Lara is seeking to position himself as an electoral alternative amid internal crises and scandals within the government.

Ruiz has expressed concern over the turmoil affecting the country’s presidential duo. According to him, Vice President Edmand Lara is pursuing a strategy aimed at weakening President Rodrigo Paz’s image and presenting himself as a viable electoral option. Less than a month into the new administration, internal scandals have already emerged, threatening democratic stability.

Internal scandals and their impact

Ruiz noted that the dismissal of the justice minister, along with ongoing accusations and counter-accusations, has caused the government to “age” prematurely. Vice President Lara has managed to implant in public opinion the notion of a president who “lies” and fails to fight corruption. These accusations, he stressed, are “more serious” because they come not only from the opposition but also “from within the government itself.” Ruiz was clear: “the vice president’s path is absolutely clear: it is the Presidency.”

Risks for President Paz

The analyst warned that if the president fails to counter the vice president’s communication and mobilization strength — both on social media and in the streets — his fall “could be imminent.” Ruiz outlined two critical scenarios: a possible censure of the vice president by the Legislative Assembly, or, in the worst case, social protests encouraged from the Vice Presidency that could pressure President Paz to resign.

Although Ruiz acknowledged Paz’s decision to dismantle structures inherited from MAS, he emphasized that Lara’s destabilizing power must not be underestimated. The current situation requires careful attention to prevent a deepening of internal crises.

Criticism of Paz’s cabinet

Ruiz also criticized the composition of the cabinet and Paz’s appointed team, warning that the government is repeating Jeanine Áñez’s mistakes by excluding popular sectors. This could spark political resentment similar to what was seen during the Sánchez de Lozada era, with posts concentrated among “familiar names and families.” “There is no social face in the government,” Ruiz asserted.

Toxic relationship with Doria Medina

Finally, Ruiz pointed to the role of Samuel Doria Medina as a political partner of the Paz administration, calling it a “toxic relationship” that is causing “significant damage in such a short time.” He suggested that Paz should “free himself” from this influence, which has enabled the inclusion of controversial figures such as Wilson Santamaría, a former close collaborator of Arturo Murillo.

Ruiz described Santamaría as “the most corrupt minister in Jeanine Áñez’s government,” complicating the president’s anti-corruption message. This situation highlights the need to reassess political alliances and the direction the current administration is taking.

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