LA PAZ – Conservative politician Rodrigo Paz was sworn in as Bolivia’s new president on Saturday, ushering in a new era for the Andean nation after nearly 20 years of one-party rule.

Paz took the oath of office before lawmakers and foreign leaders, raising his right hand before a Bible and a cross.

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“God, country, and family, I do swear,” he said before receiving the presidential sash and medals.

The inauguration of Paz, 58, has generated anticipation among Bolivians weary of the severe fuel shortages and high food prices that have come to characterize the country’s worst economic crisis in 40 years. To widespread surprise, he beat out his far more prominent right-wing opponent, former President Jorge “Tuto” Quiroga , in Bolivia’s presidential runoff last month.

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