Pablo Busch

Pablo Busch Wiesener (born Paul Busch; 4 November 1867 – 3 May 1950) was a German-born Bolivian explorer, physician, and politician. He served as subprefect of Ñuflo de Chávez Province from 1924 to 1925 and was the father of Germán Busch, the president of Bolivia from 1937 to 1939.

Born in Königsaue and educated as a surgeon, Busch emigrated from Imperial Germany to eastern Bolivia during the Amazon rubber boom. He was a shareholder and branch manager of the German-run trading company Zeller & Co., and made several medical expeditions along the Amazon and its tributaries. Busch led a nomadic lifestyle, with a presence in various communities in Beni and Santa Cruz. He started and abandoned multiple families and left many descendants throughout his lifetime.

During the Acre War, Busch lent logistical support to the Bolivian expeditionary force commanded by President José Manuel Pando. He gained recognition for his anti-blockade actions against Brazilian separatists. A member of the Republican Party, he was subprefect of the Ñuflo de Chávez Province. His imposition of order amid rampant banditry gave him a reputation for ruthlessness across the department.

Busch reconnected with his son Germán in 1937 and was a trusted member of the president's administration. Historians partially attribute his influence to improved Bolivian–German relations during this time. Busch was caught in Germany during the outbreak of World War II and was interned by the United Kingdom after the conflict's conclusion. Bolivian diplomatic efforts secured his repatriation, and he died in Portachuelo in 1950.