Highest administrative capital of Bolivia and seat of government
Protests across Bolivia continue with clashes reported in La Paz and El Alto as demonstrations press President Paz to reverse austerity measures. The government has halved ministers’ salaries and sought dialogue, while international actors offer humanitarian aid and call for negotiations amidst ongoing shortages of fuel, food and medicine.
Bolivia has moved to stabilize the crisis sparked by weeks of road blockades. A state of emergency allows military support to police, roadways are being cleared, and talks continue with labor unions as protests shift and some blocks lift.
Bolivia remains mired in nationwide road blockades led by coca growers allied with Evo Morales, with authorities reporting fatalities and economic disruption. A state of emergency is in force for 90 days as security forces and police work to reopen key transport links amid ongoing protests.
Colombia’s president-elect Abelardo de la Espriella has suspended the transition with incumbent President Gustavo Petro, accusing him of planning a coup. Petro denies fraud and international observers have praised the vote. The new cabinet is being announced as tensions rise over governance, oil policy, and the future of the Special Jurisdiction for Peace.
The new prime minister’s cradle Catholicism is shaping governance, with critics cautioning against religious influence. Comparisons are drawn to Thatcher-era policies and Labour’s critique of neoliberalism, while questions linger about how faith will steer policy.