Quiroga Vows to Restore Ties with Israel, US in Potential Bolivia Policy Shift
Table of Contents
La Paz, Bolivia – Opposition presidential candidate Jorge “Tuto” quiroga has announced his intention to immediately restore diplomatic relations with Israel and the United States should he win Bolivia’s upcoming election on Sunday. This pledge marks a critically important departure from the current administration’s policies and signals a potential realignment of Bolivia’s foreign policy priorities.
A Return to Past Alliances
Quiroga, representing the Free Alliance, stated during a meeting with international media that re-establishing relations with both nations is a key component of his strategic vision for Bolivia. He highlighted Israel as a significant source of tourism for Bolivia and emphasized the importance of normalizing ties with the United States. “In other parts of the world, I want the best commercial relations and what serves and helps Bolivia,” Quiroga said.
Bolivia severed ties with Israel in October 2023 under the leadership of President Luis Arce. This followed a brief restoration of relations during the interim government of Jeanine Áñez between 2019 and 2020. Relations with Washington were initially strained in 2009 under Evo Morales, resulting in the expulsion of the U.S.ambassador,Philip Goldberg,and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). As 2008, Bolivia has maintained only consular services in the United States [[1]].
Did you Know? Bolivia is one of only two landlocked countries in the Americas, alongside Paraguay [[2]]?
Shifting Away from Regional Blocs
Quiroga indicated a move away from political alignments with anti-American blocs and organizations critical of other nations, specifically referencing the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America (ALBA) and the Non-Aligned Movement. He expressed a desire to avoid “clubs that the only thing they have in common is to speak badly of others.”
Conversely, Quiroga affirmed his commitment to strengthening relationships with Brazil, which he described as a “very significant ally,” and China, characterizing it as ”the most important market” for South america and Bolivia’s primary trading partner. He also intends to pursue free trade agreements with countries in Asia and Europe,and to explore similar opportunities with the United States,acknowledging the challenges involved.
Economic Priorities and Lithium’s Role
Quiroga expressed interest in integrating Bolivia into the Pacific Alliance to facilitate access to Asian markets and boost exports of commodities like chestnuts, quinoa, wines, soybeans, and beef. He believes Bolivia’s vast lithium reserves represent its ”main letter of presentation,” and will actively encourage foreign investment and international interest in the resource and other Bolivian products.
| Country | Current Status (as of Aug 16, 2025) | Quiroga’s Proposed Action |
|---|---|---|
| Israel | No Diplomatic Relations | Restore Diplomatic Relations “The Next Day” |
| United States | Consular Services Only | Restore Full Diplomatic Relations |
| China | Strong Trade Partner | Deepen Economic Ties |
| Brazil | Ally | Further Strengthen Relationship |
Venezuela and a “Wave of Freedom”
Quiroga also outlined his vision for regional political change, promising to champion a “wave of freedom” in Venezuela, Nicaragua, and Cuba, aiming for “the same democracy” in those nations. He framed this as marking the end of a twenty-year cycle of the Movement Towards Socialism (MAS) influence.
Pro Tip: Understanding Bolivia’s complex political history, including the presidencies of Morales, Áñez, and Arce, is crucial to interpreting Quiroga’s proposed policy shifts.
Recent polls indicate that Quiroga and Samuel doria Medina are leading candidates, although a significant portion of the electorate remains undecided. Quiroga expressed confidence in the electoral process but stated he will independently verify the results.Bolivians will elect a president,vice president,and parliamentarians on Sunday,with a potential second round scheduled for October 19.
What impact will a shift in Bolivia’s foreign policy have on regional dynamics? And how will these changes affect Bolivia’s economic future?
Bolivia’s political landscape has been marked by periods of significant change and instability. The country’s rich natural resources, particularly lithium, position it as a key player in the global energy transition. However, political polarization and social inequalities continue to pose challenges to its growth. The upcoming election represents a critical juncture for Bolivia, with the potential to reshape its domestic and foreign policies for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions about Bolivia’s Election
- What is at stake in Bolivia’s upcoming election? The election will determine the next president, vice president, and parliamentarians, potentially leading to a significant shift in the country’s political direction.
- What are Jorge Quiroga’s key policy proposals? Quiroga aims to restore diplomatic ties with Israel and the US, strengthen economic relationships with Brazil and China, and promote regional democracy.
- What is the current state of Bolivia’s relationship with the United States? Currently, Bolivia maintains only consular services in the US after the expulsion of the US ambassador and DEA in 2008.
- Why is lithium critically important to Bolivia’s future? Bolivia possesses vast lithium reserves, which are crucial for the production of batteries for electric vehicles and energy storage, making it a key player in the global energy transition.
- What is the MAS party’s role in Bolivian politics? The Movement Towards Socialism (MAS) has been a dominant force in Bolivian politics for two decades, and the election could mark the end of its long-ruling period.
stay informed with World Today News as we continue to cover this developing story.
