Bolivian President Calls for Dialogue Amidst Protests, Accuses Ex-Leader Morales

Bolivian President Rodrigo Paz has again called for dialogue with social leaders demanding his resignation, a movement that began in early May. Paz urged protesters not to be manipulated by former President Evo Morales, whom he accused of funding the demonstrations with illicit money to avoid legal accountability.

The president specifically addressed Mario Argollo, executive secretary of the Bolivian Workers' Central (COB), and Vicente Salazar, leader of the Tupac Katari Peasant Federation. Paz stated that dialogue is the path to resolving the conflict, following the clearing of a blockade in Río Abajo, a key agricultural area south of La Paz.

"Do not let yourselves be used to break the Constitution and democracy so that a gentleman (Morales) and his power circle can escape justice," Paz emphasized. He asserted that Morales is attempting to mislead the public using "dirty money" from the Tropic of Cochabamba, Morales' political stronghold, to evade charges.

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Do not let yourselves be used to break the Constitution and democracy so that a gentleman (Morales) and his power circle can escape justice.

Morales faces arrest warrants and has been declared in default by a court for failing to appear at the trial for aggravated human trafficking. He has remained under the protection of supporters in a coca-growing region since October 2024. Paz reiterated that negotiation tables remain open for those with legitimate grievances but refused to engage in talks aimed at protecting Morales.

President Paz, in office for seven months, warned that his government is considering using constitutional legal instruments, including a state of exception, if the escalating internal crisis persists. Road blockades, initiated on May 6 by farmers and unions, have spread to eight of Bolivia's nine regions, causing shortages of food, fuel, medicine, and oxygen. The protests have resulted in at least ten deaths, according to the Ombudsman's Office, with some fatalities attributed to delayed medical care due to the blockades and others to clashes.

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the dialogue is the way to solve