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Proposal by Bolivian Candidate to Legalize “Chutos” Stolen from Chile Triggers Diplomatic Crisis and Reignites Debate on Smuggling and Borders in South America.
On the streets of Bolivia, especially in rural areas and border towns, it is common to see vehicles known as “chutos” — smuggled cars, without official registration and, in many cases, stolen from Chile. These vehicles cross the border, travel through clandestine routes, and end up providing for families who cannot afford to buy legalized cars.
The phenomenon has consolidated over decades and has become a chronic problem for the Bolivian state, which coexists with thousands of illegal vehicles circulating freely. Chile, for its part, has denounced for years that part of the fleet stolen on its territory ends up on Bolivian roads, undermining security and bilateral cooperation.
The Controversial Proposal by Rodrigo Paz
During the 2025 electoral race, the candidate Rodrigo Paz, from the Christian Democracy party, caused a crisis by publicly advocating for the legalization of “chutos”.
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His statement was direct: “In Bolivia, it almost feels like a sin not to have a chuto when everyone else does.” According to him, thousands of families depend on these cars for transportation and work, and turning a blind eye to this reality would be hypocritical.
The proposal outlines a mass regularization process, transforming smuggled or stolen vehicles into legalized cars, through registration and a potential legalization fee.
Immediate Reaction from Chile
Rodrigo Paz’s statements were met with outrage in Chile. The Interior Minister, Álvaro Elizalde, classified the proposal as a “foot in the door for organized crime” and warned that the measure, if pursued, would violate basic principles of international cooperation.
Furthermore, Chilean lawmakers from the Antofagasta region, which directly borders Bolivia, threatened to review transit agreements and even the visa regime if the idea becomes official policy.
For Santiago, legalization would equate to legitimizing thefts committed on its territory, weakening the joint struggle against criminal networks operating at the border.
The Internal Impact in Bolivia
Within Bolivia, the proposal divides opinions:
- Popular Support in Poor Areas: many see regularization as an opportunity to keep their cars without fear of seizure, ensuring low-cost mobility.
- Criticism from Legal Experts and Opponents: political analysts argue that legalizing stolen vehicles would be a disrespect to the rule of law and create a dangerous precedent, further encouraging smuggling.
- Concerns About Corruption: critics fear the mass legalization process could be marked by bribes, document forgery, and political favoritism.
Diplomatic and Economic Damages
If the proposal advances, the effects could go far beyond Bolivian roads:
- Commercial Risk: Chile could impose restrictions on Bolivia, harming exports and regional agreements.
- Crisis of Confidence: police and customs cooperation between the two countries would be weakened.
- International Image: Bolivia could be seen as a country that legitimizes transnational crime, harming negotiations with other neighbors.
A Structural Problem
The dilemma of “chutos” exposes the fragility of South American borders. It is estimated that tens of thousands of illegal cars are circulating in Bolivia, many with proven origin in Chile.
Combating smuggling is complex: it involves poor oversight, corruption, and poverty — since “chutos” are, for many, the only way to have a vehicle.
This reality creates a paradox: Rodrigo Paz’s proposal may sound absurd in diplomatic terms, but it is seen by part of the population as a practical solution to an everyday problem.
Election and Populism
Experts in South American politics assert that Rodrigo Paz’s statement should be interpreted as a populist gesture to gain support in rural areas, where the use of “chutos” is widespread.
By proposing legalization, he positions himself as a defender of the people against state bureaucracy — even if it comes at a high cost on the international front. This strategy has already had an impact: his name has gained prominence in the media, but it has also raised questions about his responsibility and preparedness to lead the country.
Between the Vote and International Law
The episode exposes a dilemma that is not only Bolivia’s, but that of the entire region: how to balance internal pressures with external obligations?
- Addressing the poor electorate could mean challenging international treaties.
- Ignoring the reality of “chutos” could cost votes and generate internal outrage.
- However, legalizing stolen cars could cost diplomatic trust and open an even deeper wound in relations with Chile.
Legalize the Illegal: A Time Bomb at the South American Border
Rodrigo Paz’s proposal has exposed Bolivia to unprecedented pressure during the electoral campaign. Chile has already signaled responses, and international organizations are watching the movement with concern.
More than a campaign promise, it is a decision that could alter the geopolitical balance in the region: either Bolivia confronts smuggling as a crime to be fought, or institutionalizes a practice that undermines trust between neighboring countries.
In the end, the question goes beyond the legalization of cars: it is about how far a country can go in legalizing the illegal in the name of popular votes.
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