Bolivia’s new Justice Minister sworn in

Jessica Paola Saravia Atristaín was promoted one notch following Siles’ resignation

Jessica Saravia was sworn in Monday as Bolivia’s new Minister of Justice and Institutional Transparency, replacing César Siles, who resigned amid allegations of involvement in a plan to remove an elected magistrate.

Saravia, previously the Vice Minister of Justice and Fundamental Rights, is a lawyer with a diploma in Legal Auditing for State Defense and extensive experience in public sector roles. She served as Executive Director of the Gaming Control Authority (2020–2023 and 2016–2019), Deputy Minister of Anti-Corruption (2012–2016), and held various anti-corruption and legal positions from 2009 to 2012.

President Luis Arce Catacora praised her professionalism and wished the new minister the best. “We have known her for many years and we know her professionalism and her capacity, and we are sure that the relations we will maintain with the Judicial Branch will be harmonious,” he stressed. “We wish Jessica the best of success,” he added.

Saravia pledged to work transparently and prioritize justice for citizens. Arce also urged the reinstatement of laws neglected in the Assembly, linked to Bolivia’s Financial Action Task Force status. “My commitment is to work tirelessly, and I assume this designation with the full conviction to work with total transparency and loyalty, always prioritizing a Judiciary that benefits citizens. We are always loyal, and never traitors,” she said.