Bolivia: Protesters and police clash in La Paz amid anti-government demonstrations

La Paz, Bolivia – Clashes erupted in Bolivia's capital Wednesday as anti-riot police confronted protesters demanding the resignation of right-wing President Rodrigo Paz. The demonstrations, now in their fifth week, have paralyzed parts of the country and pushed the government to consider declaring a state of exception.

Groups of workers, farmers, miners, transporters, and educators erected barricades and set fires near the presidential palace. Police responded with tear gas, and at least five civilians were detained. The march that triggered the clashes began in the neighboring city of El Alto and traveled 15 kilometers to La Paz.

Protesters are rejecting reforms proposed by Paz, who took office seven months ago, ending two decades of socialist rule. They also cite the nation's most severe economic crisis in four decades as a reason for their discontent. President Paz has labeled the protesters "narco-terrorists" and enacted a law to regulate states of exception, which could allow the military to assist police in clearing road blockades.

These blockades have begun to impact the supply of basic goods in the La Paz and El Alto urban areas, leading to shortages of food, fuel, and medical supplies. Prices for meat and vegetables have doubled in markets, and fuel stations and health centers report critical shortages, including oxygen.

Despite calls for dialogue from the government, major labor unions have refused to negotiate. The government claims the protests are an attempt to destabilize democracy, while the financial impact of the road blockages is estimated to exceed $1.2 billion.

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We are with open hands, in dialogue… But we also have the protection of the Constitution, now reinforced and regulated with the law of (states of) exception.