Shortly into his ministerial term, Vásquez stated that his white complexion made him incapable of being a member of the Movement for Socialism, causing broad condemnation and his removal from office less than a month after being appointed.

During the ministerial administrations of Luis Alberto Echazú and José Antonio Pimentel, Vásquez worked as the director of the environment and public consultation within the Ministry of Mining.

In a statement to Radio Fides Potosí on 29 May, Vásquez assured that he was incapable of being a member of the MAS because "to be a Masista there are some specifications, including identity; I have green eyes, curly hair, I am white.

[9] The statement generated criticism from both the MAS and members of the opposition, with National Unity leader Samuel Doria Medina stating that "qualifying others and oneself by the color of their skin and eyes is an act of ignorance and stupidity the size of Illimani.

[11] Nonetheless, the majority MAS caucus in the Plurinational Legislative Assembly released a public demand that president remove the minister.