Weeks of protests and road blockades paralyze Bolivia: What's happening?

Bolivia is gripped by widespread protests and road blockades that have paralyzed the country for four weeks, as citizens voice their discontent with the center-right government of President Rodrigo Paz. Farmers, teachers, miners, and various other sectors have taken to the streets, demanding action against the escalating cost of living and fuel prices.

The unrest was ignited in late April by an announced land reform, which the government claimed would allow smallholders to use their land as collateral for investment. However, various agricultural sectors feared the reform would facilitate the acquisition of land by large landowners. This sparked initial protests by farmers, supported by the country's largest labor confederation, leading to blockades of key roads.

The movement has since broadened, encompassing strikes and demonstrations by teachers demanding significant wage increases. While an agreement was reached regarding bonus payments, ending the teachers' strike, the overall protests have not subsided. Miners, transport workers, and indigenous farming communities have joined, protesting against rising fuel costs, poor fuel quality, and a proposed constitutional amendment they believe will open the door to the privatization of natural resources, including lithium.

Some of the most critical protesters are calling for President Paz's resignation. These groups, including farmers and workers affiliated with social organizations linked to former socialist President Evo Morales, are demanding the reversal of the government's austerity measures and solutions to the increasing cost of living. Paz, who took office just six months ago, is the first center-right president after two decades of socialist rule under Morales and his successor. He inherited a severe economic crisis, the worst since the 1980s, with inflation around 15% and a persistent dollar shortage exacerbated by a sharp decline in gas exports.