Bolivia is facing a severe economic crisis ahead of its August 17, 2025, presidential election, marked by soaring inflation at 24.8%, fuel shortages, and a phenomenon of shrinkflation exemplified by smaller bread sizes. This economic turmoil has fueled public discontent, with shortages of basic goods such as bread, gasoline, and dollars. The crisis threatens to end the two-decade rule of the leftist Movement to Socialism (MAS) party, which has dominated Bolivian politics since 2006 under former president Evo Morales. Morales has been barred from running and has reportedly attempted to undermine the electoral process. The upcoming election features new candidates, including millionaire Samuel Doria Medina and former president Jorge 'Tuto' Quiroga, who are leading in polls with 21.2% and 20% support respectively, according to Ipsos-Ciesmori. Quiroga has called the election a historic opportunity for radical change, criticizing the previous 20 years of governance for destruction, persecution, and waste. Campaigns concluded recently in major cities such as La Paz and Santa Cruz de la Sierra, with candidates focusing on solutions to the economic crisis. Additionally, some Bolivians have turned to cryptocurrencies for everyday transactions amid inflation. The election is widely viewed as a potential turning point that could shift Bolivia away from socialism towards a right-wing government.
"La gente quiere un cambio de rumbo y estamos ante algo histórico": Jorge ‘Tuto’ Quiroga, candidato a la presidencia de Bolivia, sobre las elecciones de este domingo https://t.co/SNM5Fe8trg
"Llega un fin de ciclo. Bolivia ha padecido 20 años de destrucción, persecución, derroche y despilfarro. Estamos convencidos de que este domingo Bolivia va a optar por un cambio radical como el que estamos ofreciendo": Jorge ‘Tuto’ Quiroga (@tutoquiroga), candidato presidencial https://t.co/BE991dLexg
Com disparada da inflação, bolivianos adotam criptomoedas, para pagar de café a salários https://t.co/F50HA5FmG6