Fernando Cerimedo: Bolivia's shadowy presidential adviser

Fernando Cerimedo, an Argentine political consultant with a controversial past, has become a central figure in Bolivia's political landscape, despite President Rodrigo Paz's efforts to downplay their relationship. Cerimedo, who arrived in Bolivia in 2024 to conduct market research, now claims to be Paz's "principal adviser," while Paz dismisses him as merely "the professor" of his daughter Source: infobae.

The adviser's background

Cerimedo has a history of working with right-wing leaders across Latin America, including Jair Bolsonaro and Javier Milei. He was convicted of fraud in Argentina and investigated in Brazil for alleged involvement in a disinformation network linked to Bolsonaro's supporters Source: infobae. His methods reportedly include "negative campaigns" and troll farms, which he has admitted to using Source: infobae.

The relationship with Paz

Cerimedo's ties to Paz became public when they were photographed together at a restaurant in Santa Cruz before the runoff election. Paz reacted angrily, calling it "espionage," while Cerimedo described Paz as a "friend of a long time" who received informal advice Source: infobae. The exact nature of their relationship remains disputed: Paz's team insists Cerimedo has no formal role, but Cerimedo presents himself as a key adviser Source: heraldomx.

The detention and accountability

Cerimedo was detained following an attack on activist Nadia Beller, highlighting the ambiguity of his position. As an informal adviser, he wields influence without formal accountability, raising questions about who answers for his actions Source: heraldomx. This case illustrates a broader trend of "transnational privatization of political power," where consultants operate without official titles Source: heraldomx.