Bolivia: Union negotiates detainee release to continue dialogue

The Bolivian Workers' Center (COB) is in negotiations with the government over the release of individuals detained during protests, making it a condition for resuming dialogue. Mario Argollo, the COB's top leader, stated that legal teams from both the union and the executive branch are reviewing the cases of arrested demonstrators. Simultaneously, a commission is working on other worker demands.

“

The country is waiting for results (...) we believe that the political intention (to resolve the conflict) exists.

Argollo expressed that "the country is waiting for results" and believes there is "political intention" to resolve the conflict. A previous meeting between the government and the COB delegation was paused because Argollo conditioned further progress on the detainees' release. Minister of the Presidency, José Luis Lupo, clarified that dialogue cannot be reconciled with law or grant impunity for crimes, emphasizing that each detention case will be analyzed individually.

“

a dialogue instrument cannot be at odds with the law, nor grant impunity to those who have committed crimes.

Lupo also stressed that "pacification of the country" and the "immediate unblocking" of roads are fundamental for dialogue, aiming to allow regions like La Paz to resume normal economic activity. The COB and the La Paz Federation of Peasants have led road blockades since May 6, demanding President Rodrigo Paz's resignation. These protests have gained support from sectors aligned with former President Evo Morales. Some peasant sectors have threatened to "radicalize" the blockades, preventing any goods from entering La Paz and El Alto, significantly impacting these cities. Morales' supporters continue to insist on Paz's resignation, rejecting dialogue.

“

fundamental condition for establishing a dialogue table is the pacification of the country, which implies the immediate unblocking of roads.