Bolivia’s Presidential Candidate Threatens to Cancel Lithium Deals with Russia and China

Bolivian presidential candidate Jorge Quiroga Ramírez announced his intention to terminate multi-billion dollar lithium contracts signed by outgoing President Luis Arce with Russia and China. “We do not recognize these contracts. Let’s stop them; they will not be approved,” stated Quiroga. Election Runoff Sets Stage for Policy Changes Quiroga, who served as Bolivia’s president in the early 2000s, advanced to the second round of the presidential election with 26.7% of the vote. His opponent, Senator Rodrigo Paz, secured 32% in the first round. The runoff is scheduled for October 19.