Bolivia’s Congress approves a $1.9 billion International Monetary Fund (IMF) loan and the government eliminates diesel subsidies, moves officials say are linked to stabilizing public finances. Bloomberg reports the subsidy is fully removed after the Senate approves the programme, which includes spending curbs.
Euronews says the government expects the arrangement to ease a deep economic crisis and help unlock additional financing from other institutions, such as the World Bank. It also notes the IMF deal is still awaiting final authorization by the IMF’s executive board. The Independent adds that ending diesel subsidies could trigger political backlash, given the domestic sensitivity of fuel prices.
Across reports, the common thread is that legislative ratification clears the way for the IMF-backed programme, and the diesel subsidy cuts are implemented as part of the conditions tied to the loan. While outlets differ on timing details and the outlook for follow-on funding, they broadly describe the same package of measures: loan approval and subsidy elimination amid fiscal consolidation efforts.
