The cost of pension reforms has been perhaps the biggest error committed in the process of modernizing Bolivia's economy.

As Vice-President Mesa was quickly caught between the proverbial rock and hard place as a wave of protests and strikes shut down Bolivia in a bitter dispute known as the Bolivian Gas War. Despite his lack of experience in the political arena Mesa's star rose quickly in the Sánchez de Lozada administration. Following protests he tendered his resignation to Congress on March 6 2005; however the legislators voted almost unanimously the next day to reject his offer.

Mesa was previously a popular television journalist and personality known by many for his rectitude and impartiality. As Vice-President Mesa was quickly caught between the proverbial rock and hard place as a wave of protests and strikes shut down Bolivia in a bitter dispute known as the Bolivian Gas War.