Bolivia Removes Economy Minister After Legislative Censure

Bolivian President Rodrigo Paz removed Economy and Public Finance Minister José Gabriel Espinoza on August 21 after the legislature censured him for missing a hearing on the government's economic policies. Presidential Decree 5678 put Production Minister Oscar Mario Justiniano in interim charge of the economy portfolio until a permanent appointment is made. Espinoza filed a constitutional challenge to the censure, but the decree said no court order had suspended its effect ahead of an August 24 hearing. The removal comes as Bolivia faces persistent inflation and shortages of fuel and foreign currency.