Bolivia officializes reduction of ministries and modernization of the Executive branch under the command of Rodrigo Paz
The Government of Bolivia, led by President Rodrigo Paz, has formalized a major restructuring of its administration through decree 5675. This regulation establishes the reduction from fourteen to twelve ministries, with the aim of fostering state efficiency, simplifying processes, and advancing towards the digital transformation of the Executive Branch.
Changes in the ministerial structure
The new Central Administration structure formally eliminates the Development Planning and Sustainable Tourism, Culture, Folklore, and Gastronomy portfolios. Instead, the Executive branch has integrated key functions under new departments:
- The Vice Ministry of Sustainable Tourism and Cultures is now part of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
- Entities such as the National Symphony Orchestra, the Tiahuanaco Archaeological Research Center, and the Bolivian Film and Audiovisual Development Agency are now under the supervision of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
- The Ministry of Productive Development, Rural and Water is transformed into the Ministry of Sustainable Production, Environment and Water.
- The area in charge of internal security, under the Ministry of Government, has renamed its specialized vice ministry to Comprehensive Fight against Drug Trafficking.
New presidential powers and digital management
The decree introduces the figure of “presidential delegates,” officials who may be appointed by Paz to coordinate projects of national interest. The regulation specifies that these delegates will act under the direct functional dependency of the Presidency, although they are strictly prohibited from duplicating or substituting the powers of the ministers.
The measure seeks to optimize the State, eliminating unnecessary bureaucracy and guaranteeing more agile management for Bolivian citizens.
Likewise, the president’s ability to govern via digital instruments in the event of travel abroad was ratified. Under this scheme, the president will not be required to temporarily transfer command to Vice President Edmand Lara, except in situations where technology does not allow for the exercise of his duties. In such cases, he must provide a written and detailed report on the actions to be taken during his absence.
