Bolivian politician and former president
Mass protests by miners, farmers, teachers and unions have paralysed La Paz and El Alto, blocking roads and causing shortages of fuel, food and medicine. Clashes with police have involved tear gas, dynamite blasts and arrests. President Rodrigo Paz has reshuffled his cabinet and deployed security forces while international aid and diplomatic tensions are rising.
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 declared a 90-day state of emergency to restore order and ensure fuel and food supplies after weeks of road blockades. The decree allows the military to support police and targets disruption of transportation, while protests connect to wider economic demands. Some blockades are easing, but tensions persist as talks continue.
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.