Morales Supporters Pause Bolivia Protests Amid State of Exception

Supporters of former Bolivian President Evo Morales have announced a temporary halt to their protests demanding the resignation of current President Rodrigo Paz. This pause follows more than six weeks of disruptive road blockades and the government's declaration of a state of exception.

The decision was announced by leaders of the Six Federations of the Tropics of Cochabamba, a prominent coca growers' union and a key Morales stronghold. They referred to the pause as a "fourth interim" or "quarterly break," emphasizing that the broader struggle will continue. "This is only a quarterly break to continue organizing, to continue preparing because this government has not had the capacity to solve the problems that exist," stated leader Isidro Auca.

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a quarterly break to continue organizing, to continue preparing because this government has not had the capacity to solve the problems that exist.

Auca also criticized the recent agreement between the government and the head of the Bolivian Workers' Central (COB), Mario Argollo, accusing him of selling out and betraying the unions. Morales himself echoed the sentiment of a temporary pause, not surrender, and reiterated accusations that Paz is "handing over" the country's natural resources to "transnationals" and will increase the costs of basic services and fuel.

The protests have caused significant economic losses, estimated at over $3 billion, and led to shortages of food, fuel, and medical oxygen in some cities. At least 16 deaths have been attributed to the blockades, primarily due to delayed medical attention. The state of exception was declared to clear the roads, which have been blocked since May 6.

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for now it is a quarterly break, but it does not mean that we have surrendered.