How do you approach managing legal aspects during periods of instability or crises, and how does your legal strategy align with the broader business strategy to ensure the organisation’s resilience?   

Given that these periods are when we are most exposed to legal risks, my approach is to maintain order and foster calm and trust to ensure that the situations we face do not overwhelm us or expose us to additional legal risks. I aim to act effectively while addressing the various situational challenges. I apply this not only with my own team but also with the rest of the company and our clients. In this calm environment, I observe, analyse, and anticipate potential changes that might affect us, allowing for strategic, calculated action. The combination of calm and effective action enables successful management of adversity, and I am convinced that proper crisis management from within the core of an organisation is key to ensuring resilience and, in some cases, even its survival. 

My company’s common goal is to act with purpose, recognising that we belong to and serve something greater than ourselves. This purpose shapes our mindset and attitude towards others and the events we experience. Consequently, the strategies of all areas, including the legal department, are always aligned with this purpose, which undoubtedly strengthens the company, making it resilient, robust, and adaptable to change. 

In your opinion, what are the main trends that are salient in your country currently (these can be legal, political, economy or business-based)?  

Currently, Bolivia is experiencing an unprecedented political, social, and economic crisis. The shortage of dollars, combined with a lack of fuel and the government’s inability to meet its debt obligations, has led to the emergence of a parallel currency market, nearly doubling the official value of the dollar. This situation has resulted in long queues for fuel, shortages of some products in the market, and almost daily social conflicts driven by economic instability and the government’s tightening of certain measures. Analysts and economists report that the fiscal deficit for 2023 was 12% of GDP, with no improvements expected for this year or the next. 

Additionally, 2025 is an election year, with a new president to be elected, suggesting that both this year and the next will be challenging for the country. There is a high likelihood of social conflicts due to the declining purchasing power of the Bolivian peso, company closures (mainly importers affected by the dollar shortage), adjustments in economic policies, and increased taxes. These changes will be accompanied by regulatory modifications that are likely to negatively impact legally established businesses. This could lead to a migration of companies into the informal sector due to the inability to cover all costs of maintaining a business, resulting in immediate job losses and exacerbating the economic crisis.