AGP Executive Report

Climate Emergency: President Rodrigo Paz declared a national emergency as El Niño brings drought and flood risks. Drought has affected 78,000 households across six departments and killed more than 75,000 livestock; the decree enables faster deployment of resources and rescue teams. Amazon Gold Boom: Chinese-backed mining has transformed Mayaya into a gold hub, with about 20 open-pit mines and 12 dredges employing roughly 2,200 Bolivian and Chinese workers. Mercury Warning: A UMSA researcher says mercury in Amazonian fish threatens children’s brain and motor development, especially when pregnant women are exposed. Regional Links: A Bolivian analysis urges the government to negotiate with Brazil, Peru and China on joining a proposed rail and logistics network. Digital Payments: Bolivia’s QR payments have surged to 28 transactions per second, according to the Central Bank; Santa Cruz accounts for 42.4% of mobile-wallet transactions.

Climate Emergency: President Rodrigo Paz declared a national emergency to speed up aid and deploy rescue teams as El Niño brings drought and flood threats. Drought has affected about 78,000 families across six departments and killed more than 75,000 livestock. Digital Payments: QR purchases are now part of daily life in Bolivia, with an average of 28 transactions a second; Santa Cruz leads mobile-wallet use. Border Security: Bolivia and Brazil are expanding intelligence-sharing and joint controls to curb drug trafficking and other organized crime along their shared border.

El Niño Emergency: President Rodrigo Paz declared a national emergency to speed up disaster response as Bolivia faces drought and flood threats. Drought has affected about 78,000 families in six departments and killed more than 75,000 cattle; the decree enables faster deployment of resources and rescue teams. Economic Outlook: Bolivia’s proposed 2027 budget is drawing criticism from economist Gonzalo Chávez, who says it falls short of supporting recovery. It projects 1.5% economic contraction and 10.7% inflation. Digital Payments: QR transactions are reshaping everyday shopping, with an average of 28 payments made every second, according to the Central Bank’s 2025 report. Santa Cruz leads mobile-wallet use. Diplomacy: Bolivian and Chinese foreign ministry officials held their 11th political consultation in Beijing, continuing talks between the two countries.

Emergency Response: President Rodrigo Paz declared a national emergency as El Niño brings drought and flood risks. Drought has affected about 78,000 families and killed more than 75,000 cattle; the decree mobilizes resources and additional rescue teams. Economic Strain: Economist Gonzalo Chávez says Bolivia’s proposed 2027 budget lacks a credible recovery plan, citing weak public investment, a high projected deficit and optimistic forecasts. Separately, Bolivians report being turned away when trying to deposit cash dollars, despite the central bank lifting the cap on currency sales. Border Security: Bolivia and Brazil are expanding intelligence sharing and joint police operations against drug trafficking and other organized crime, including plans for a permanent Brazilian Federal Police office in La Paz. Wildlife Conservation: A census counted 6,930 vicuñas in Potosí’s Eduardo Avaroa Reserve, providing updated data to guide monitoring and protection against poaching.

Economic Recovery: Bolivia’s proposed 2027 budget draws criticism for weak public investment and a failure to prioritize recovery. Economist Gonzalo Chávez says it forecasts a 1.5% contraction and 10.7% inflation, while relying on optimistic assumptions and leaving key subsidy changes unresolved. Cost-of-Living Pressures: Global oil and food prices may rise, adding to strain on households. Separately, Bolivians report being turned away when trying to deposit cash dollars, underscoring persistent limits on access to foreign currency. Maternal Health: New nutrition kits for pregnant and breastfeeding women replace ultra-processed foods and refined flour with chia, whole wheat and banana flour, and increase milk portions. Digital distribution through the Mi Subsidio app is planned from January 2027. Political Scrutiny: Bolivia’s attorney general was reportedly arrested after investigating a Trump-aligned operative, while opposition figures are calling for a probe into leaked recordings.

Maternal Health: Bolivia is replacing ultra-processed foods and refined flour in nutrition kits for pregnant and breastfeeding women with chia, whole wheat and banana flour, while increasing milk portions. From January, a mobile wallet will let mothers collect supplies in installments at expanded distribution points. Economic Outlook: Economist Gonzalo Chávez says the 2027 budget falls short of supporting recovery, citing weak public investment, a high deficit and projected 1.5% economic contraction. Separately, rising global commodity and energy prices could push up Bolivian fuel and food costs, adding pressure on households. Access to Dollars: Customers told El Deber they were refused dollar deposits or faced steep minimums and limits on access to savings, despite the Central Bank removing its cap on foreign-currency sales. Political Accountability: A report says Attorney General Roger Mariaca was arrested on drug-trafficking charges after investigating a political operative; it also describes subsequent moves against opposition figures and media, raising concerns about the handling of the case.

Political Pressure: Bolivia’s arrest of Attorney General Roger Mariaca has raised alarm because he had been investigating Fernando Cerimedo, a political operative linked to President Rodrigo Paz. A whistleblower says she fears arrest, while opposition figures are calling for a probe into leaked recordings. Economic Strain: Bolivians carrying dollars report being turned away by banks, even as rising global oil prices threaten higher fuel and food costs. Subsidies have been partly restored, but further price adjustments are planned for 2027. Energy and Environment: Bolivia’s gas boom is fading, while Indigenous communities object to EU-backed carbon credit plans in the Amazon, calling them a new form of colonialism. Agriculture: Bolivia’s Brazil-nut harvest is reportedly up 80% this year, bringing prices closer to normal.

Political Scrutiny: Bolivia’s opposition is urging prosecutors to verify leaked recordings allegedly linking strategist Fernando Cerimedo to President Rodrigo Paz’s circle; the tapes have not been authenticated. Separately, whistleblower Nadia Beller says she fears arrest after speaking about Cerimedo, but no warrant or charge has been confirmed. Wildfire Risk: A new AI tool aims to help predict fires in Bolivia, where blazes affected about 12.6 million hectares in 2024 and experts warn heat and drought could worsen risks. Amazon Communities: Indigenous leaders in Pando say carbon-credit projects threaten their rights to farm, fish and hunt, amid concerns over consent and a growing carbon market. Cost of Living: Vegetable prices vary across central Bolivia: peas and beans have fallen in La Paz, while tomatoes and locoto remain costly. Youth Football: Bolivia’s U-15 team let a 3-0 halftime lead slip, losing 4-3 to Kyrgyzstan at the world championship.

Fire Prevention: A new AI tool aims to help anticipate deforestation and wildfire risks in Bolivia, where fires devastated millions of hectares in 2024 and another dangerous season is approaching. Indigenous Rights: Leaders in Pando say CIPOAP president Javier Fernández Tuno has received death threats linked to his legal fight against illegal gold mining on the Madre de Dios River; they are urging authorities to protect him and investigate. Cost of Living: Vegetable prices are mixed across La Paz, Cochabamba and Santa Cruz: peas, broad beans and green beans have become cheaper in La Paz, while tomatoes and locoto peppers remain costly. Economic Pressures: Bolivia ranks among the world’s most indebted countries, with government debt at 100.2% of GDP, while reports point to the country’s gas ambitions faltering. U.S. Visa Restrictions: Washington has barred visas for 61 Bolivian and Colombian officials and former leaders over alleged corruption. Regional Politics: Lula’s election victory in Brazil reshapes regional politics, with potential consequences for Bolivia’s ties with its largest neighbor.

Indigenous Safety: Bolivia’s Indigenous confederation says Pando leader Javier Fernández Tuno and his family have received death threats linked to his legal action against illegal gold mining on the Madre de Dios River. It urged police and prosecutors to investigate and courts to provide protection. Climate Risks: An OAS outlook warns that a strong El Niño could bring heavier-than-usual rain to the La Plata basin, including parts of Bolivia, raising flood and landslide risks in 2027. Energy Shortfall: Analysts say years of weak exploration investment have left Bolivia facing declining gas production and a potential energy deficit, as the government allows gas imports for industry and power generation. Marset Case: Lawyers for alleged trafficker Sebastián Marset are challenging the handling of a phone seized in Bolivia, questioning whether the search and transfer to U.S. authorities followed Bolivian law. Mennonite Colonies: Allegations of physical punishment and forced expulsion in Santa Cruz colonies have raised questions about individual rights and the response of Bolivia’s justice system.

Climate Risks: An OAS report warns that a potentially very strong El Niño in 2027 could bring heavier-than-usual rain and flooding to the La Plata Basin, which includes Bolivia, while other parts of the region face severe drought. Energy: Analysts say years of underinvestment in gas exploration have left Bolivia facing declining output and a possible energy deficit, reversing its ambition to become the region’s “energy heartland.” At a Moscow gas exporters’ summit, Bolivia joined calls for fair pricing and stronger cooperation to manage market crises. Marset Case: Lawyers for alleged drug trafficker Sebastián Marset are challenging the handling of a phone seized in Bolivia, questioning when authorities searched it and how it reached U.S. investigators. Public Safety: A new report finds criminal groups active in 31% of surveyed Bolivian Amazon municipalities, as illicit networks spread across national borders. Business: Tether has backed Bolivian fintech Peso to expand USDT payments in the region, including for everyday purchases.

Amazon Crime: A new regional map finds illicit groups operating in 31% of surveyed Bolivian municipalities, with criminal networks increasingly crossing national borders. Gas and Energy: Bolivia joined other Gas Exporting Countries Forum members in calling for fairer gas pricing, crisis-response mechanisms and stronger protection of energy infrastructure at the Moscow summit. Brazil Ties: Rodrigo Paz congratulated Lula on his reelection, but Bolivia’s foreign-trade institute says Lula’s past promises to buy Bolivian exports were never fulfilled. Political Fallout: A new audio recording attributed to former adviser Fernando Cerimedo has intensified scrutiny of Bolivia’s political circle; its authenticity remains unverified as calls grow for an investigation.

Energy: Bolivia joined other Gas Exporting Countries Forum members in calling for fairer gas pricing, stable supplies and mechanisms to manage market crises. The group also raised concerns about geopolitical risks and pledged to protect energy infrastructure. Bolivian politics: New leaked recordings attributed to former adviser Fernando Cerimedo have stirred debate over their political impact, but their authenticity remains unverified. Regional ties: Brazil’s Lula won a fourth presidential term, while Bolivia’s foreign-trade institute criticized his past pledge to buy Bolivian exports, saying it was never fulfilled. Sport: Bolivian doubles player Federico Zeballos won the Cali Challenger with Brazil’s Marcelo Zormann, claiming his 47th doubles title and moving up to No. 129 in the ATP rankings.

Bread and Cost of Living: Bakers are pressing to raise bread prices as the government tries to hold the La Paz loaf at Bs 0.80 amid disputes over flour costs. Energy: Bolivia’s gas reserves are running down, deepening the energy crisis; the country is also set to increase the ethanol blend in gasoline. Regional Politics: President Rodrigo Paz congratulated Brazil’s Lula on his reelection, even as Lula’s opponent seeks to challenge the result. Visa Restrictions: The United States barred visas for 61 Colombian and Bolivian officials and former leaders over alleged corruption.

Brazil and Bolivia: President Rodrigo Paz congratulated Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on his fourth-term victory, saying the neighbors would work to strengthen ties and create opportunities. Lula won 51.79% of the vote; defeated candidate Flávio Bolsonaro says he will challenge the result. U.S. Visa Restrictions: Washington barred visas for 61 Colombian and Bolivian figures over alleged corruption, according to reports. Economic Pressures: Bolivian workers are protesting fuel price hikes and demanding wage reforms, while bakers and the government remain locked in talks over bread prices. Energy: Bolivia’s gas reserves are running low, as the government plans to raise ethanol’s share in petrol.

Brazil-Bolivia Ties: President Rodrigo Paz congratulated Lula on his historic fourth-term win, saying the neighboring countries would work to strengthen ties and create development opportunities. Lula won 51.79% of the vote; defeated candidate Flávio Bolsonaro says he will seek to annul the result. Labor Unrest: Bolivian teachers staged a nationwide 24-hour strike over rising prices and plans to decentralize public education. The protests follow the end of the diesel subsidy, which raised prices from 9.80 to 17.95 bolivianos per liter; demonstrations in several cities brought clashes with police. Environmental Crime: A Bolivia-backed proposal won UN approval to begin negotiations on an international protocol targeting cross-border environmental crimes, including illegal mining and wildlife trafficking. Visa Restrictions: The United States barred visas for 61 Colombian and Bolivian officials and figures over alleged graft.