The Executive Branch of Bolivia approved a decree that will allow President Rodrigo Paz to govern through 'technological means' when he is abroad. The decree also adjusts the role of the vice president to manage and support actions within the 'general policy of the Government'. The issuance of this norm comes after it was learned that Paz was invited to participate in the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Switzerland, scheduled for January 19-23, amidst tensions with Bolivian Vice President Edmundo Lara, who declared himself a 'constructive opposition' to the Government. Decree 5512 modifies the organization of the Executive and establishes that the president 'must exercise' his constitutional powers 'through technological communication means' in case of being out of the country 'temporarily'. Likewise, if he does not have access to technological means, he will 'expressly, in writing and with precision of dates' communicate to the vice president 'the detail of actions to be carried out' during that period of substitute leadership. The decree also mentions that the vice president's functions are to 'manage and support actions within the framework of the direction of the general policy of the Government'. This decree makes adjustments to a norm of the same rank in force since 2023 that did not specify the presidential's duties during temporary absence, and also allowed the vice president to 'plan, manage, support, and execute actions' as part of his attributions in the Government. Paz, who assumed the Presidency of Bolivia on November 8 of last year, could make his first international trip as head of state due to the WEF invitation, which means he would have to hand over the country's leadership to his vice president, who will serve as acting president during his absence. The relationship between Paz and Lara has not ceased to be tense since the duo won the second round of elections in October 2025. Already in government, Lara, who is very active on TikTok, has questioned several decisions that, in his judgment, Paz made with the aim of neutralizing him, such as the creation of the Vice Ministry of Legislative Coordination and the elimination of the Ministry of Justice. During that first critical moment, which occurred in November, Lara stated via TikTok that he 'no longer forms part' of the government and called Paz a 'liar'. This was followed by a series of criticisms from the vice president against Paz's decisions, as well as statements against his ministers, parliamentarians, and other officials. However, the greatest tension arose after Paz's government issued Supreme Decree 5503 on December 17, which ended the fuel subsidy after more than 20 years, accompanied by increases in student and elderly bonuses, along with the minimum wage. Before Christmas, Lara said that since Paz 'sidelined' him, he set the goal of 'combating corruption from the government and denouncing any official who crosses the line from good to evil'. He also stated in another video that Paz is 'corrupt' and 'skilled at deceiving', and also attacked the ministers, calling them 'assholes' (sic) for 'causing social convulsion' with the decree that withdrew the fuel subsidy. This week, Lara accused the Vice Minister of Social Defense and Controlled Substances, Ernesto Justiniano, of supposedly receiving money from drug trafficking after the latter pointed to the vice president for allegedly pressuring to obtain positions within the Police, in a controversy that is still ongoing. Paz has stated several times that his job is not to make TikToks but to make decisions, while his ministers announced that they will respond to the vice president's criticisms through 'institutional' means.
