Bolivia: President Paz and COB reach deal, but farmer protests continue

Bolivian President Rodrigo Paz and the Bolivian Workers' Central (COB) have struck a deal aimed at pacifying the nation after seven weeks of unrest. The agreement, signed by Paz and COB leader Mario Argollo, was reached following closed-door negotiations between the union and government ministers.

Argollo announced that pressure measures would be lifted nationwide, with the government committing to immediate fulfillment of the signed terms. However, a significant obstacle remains: the Federation of Peasant Workers of La Paz, along with supporters of former President Evo Morales, continue to maintain road blockades. These groups are demanding Paz's resignation and have rejected dialogue.

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From this moment on, pressure measures are being lifted at the national level, with a commitment from the Government to immediately fulfill everything that has been signed.

The COB's agreement with the government includes a 90-day timeframe for the executive branch to meet its obligations. Working groups will be established to begin addressing these commitments next Wednesday. A key demand from the COB, which has now been addressed, was the release of protesters detained during the demonstrations.

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I tell you in a very fraternal way to all of you (the peasant unions), let's go to dialogue, let's not allow our country to suffer more and let's not be seen as the bad guys in the movie.

Argollo defended the COB's decision to engage with the government, stating it was made to prevent bloodshed and the imposition of a state of exception, which has been called for by sectors affected by the blockades. He urged the peasant unions to pursue dialogue, warning against further suffering for the country.

President Paz spoke of "reconciliation" and the need to forge a "joint project" for progress. He acknowledged the difficulty of dialogue but emphasized its strength over force, admitting that his government has areas needing improvement. The ongoing conflict has led to shortages of food, fuel, and medical oxygen in some cities, and has been linked to at least 16 deaths, 13 of which are attributed to delayed medical attention caused by the blockades.

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Sometimes dialogue costs more, it is difficult to understand and interpret, but if we reach a meeting point, dialogue is stronger than force itself.