Original article: Vicepresidente de Bolivia acusa que Paz consultó a Cerimedo antes de declarar el Estado de excepción

Bolivia’s Vice President Alleges Consultations Between President Paz and Far-Right Operative Before State of Emergency

Bolivia’s Vice President Edmand Lara has made serious allegations against Rodrigo Paz, claiming that the president sought advice from far-right political operative Fernando Cerimedo prior to declaring a State of Emergency that has been in effect since June 20.

On Wednesday, Lara disclosed a new audio recording in which the president appears to consult the Argentine advisor, who is currently detained in South America facing four charges including attempted femicide against his ex-partner, lawyer Nadia Beller, along with money laundering, domestic violence, and alleged cover-ups for drug trafficking-related flights.

The Bolivian Vice President argued that this recording contradicts Paz’s previous claims that Cerimedo’s involvement was limited to the early days of his administration, indicating instead a much deeper influence on governmental decisions.

“Fernando Cerimedo was not merely a collaborator who assisted only at the beginning of the administration,” Lara stated in remarks reported by the newspaper La Razón.

Lara noted that the recording reveals that Paz consults Cerimedo about the State of Emergency and receives recommendations on potential actions.

“The discussion revolves around the State of Emergency, where President Rodrigo Paz seeks advice from Fernando Cerimedo,” Lara emphasized.

It is important to remember that the State of Emergency was implemented after over 50 consecutive days of multi-sector protests and 79 roadblocks that severely disrupted national routes, affecting the circulation of fuels, food, and other goods, resulting in 14 deaths, 37 injuries, and estimated economic losses of up to $2.5 billion.

For nearly two months, opposition groups, the Bolivian Workers’ Central (COB), farmers, and transporters unified their efforts to demand the resignation of the right-wing president over “state abandonment” and the neoliberal adjustments instituted by his administration, which sparked a severe social and economic crisis in the South American nation.

The measure, set to last for 90 days, includes several restrictions such as the temporary suspension of freedom of movement, a total ban on blockades, nighttime activity restrictions, a dry law in intervened areas, and a prohibition on carrying items like explosives, fuels, or «miguelitos». It is expected to conclude in the second half of September.

Vice President Lara to Submit Audio to Prosecutor’s Office

Lara announced that he will submit the audio material to the Public Ministry this Thursday, accompanied by a new formal complaint that broadens the investigation framework. However, in a display of judicial prudence, the vice president avoided assuming the authenticity of the recording and specifically requested a technical examination.

“We will wait for the examination of this audio,” he emphasized.

At the same time, he insisted that Cerimedo be finally transferred to the high-security prison in Chonchocoro, in La Paz, to serve the six-month preventive detention determined by the Bolivian judiciary while investigations continue regarding the cases opened by the prosecution.

The Bolivian vice president has filed a new criminal complaint against the political operative, which also includes María Elena Urquidi, President Paz’s wife, for alleged influence peddling, criminal association, and illicit enrichment, among other offenses.