Paz sets limits on dialogue in Bolivia as Evo Morales calls for elections

Bolivian President Rodrigo Paz has reaffirmed his government's commitment to dialogue with ongoing protesters, who have maintained demonstrations for 23 days. However, he cautioned that decisions made in the coming days would be contingent upon weekend meetings with opposition representatives. "I will do everything possible, along with the Council of Ministers, to promote dialogue, but everything has its limits," Paz stated in an interview with Argentine broadcaster Todo Noticias.

The president expressed hope that "rationality will prevail" during the upcoming discussions, particularly with the Túpac Katari peasant federation. He emphasized that the government would evaluate "all available options within the limits of the Constitution" and that those responsible for violent acts would face legal consequences. The government announced a police and military operation to clear roadblocks and allow the passage of scarce goods to La Paz, as unions and indigenous groups continue to pressure Paz to resign.

Despite the government's efforts, the Túpac Katari Departmental Federation of Workers did not attend the dialogue session convened by the government. This absence thwarted the planned negotiations aimed at finding a resolution to the conflict. The meeting was scheduled to take place at the Casa Grande del Pueblo and was called by the Minister of Productive Development, Óscar Mario Justiniano, with the intention of opening a negotiation table with mobilized social organizations.

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I will do everything possible, along with the Council of Ministers, to promote dialogue, but everything has its limits, and I think that will depend largely on the next few days, on this weekend, during which several meetings will be held, particularly with the Túpac Katari peasant federation.

Data from the Ministry of Transport indicated over 50 road blockades across the country on Sunday, primarily affecting access routes to the capital, La Paz, and the city of Oruro. The government's objective was to address the demands of the mobilized sectors and ensure the unblocking of roads to restore the supply of food, fuel, and medicine.

However, peasant leaders and groups aligned with the protests maintained a critical stance towards the government, conditioning any potential rapprochement on concrete responses to their demands. The situation remains tense as the conflict enters its fourth week.

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We will evaluate all the options available within the limits of the Constitution, and those responsible for violent acts will face legal consequences.