What triggered the crisis threatening Rodrigo Paz's government in Bolivia?

Bolivia is currently grappling with a severe political crisis that threatens the stability of President Rodrigo Paz's administration, barely six months after he assumed office. What began as localized protests concerning salary demands, fuel shortages, and a controversial land reform law has rapidly escalated into a nationwide political challenge, with significant calls for the president's resignation.

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The conflict that Bolivia's Government is facing began at the start of the month with sectoral protests over wage demands, poor fuel quality, and rejection of a land reform, but escalated into a political crisis with demands for the resignation of President Rodrigo Paz, who took office just six months ago.

The situation turned violent this week, particularly in La Paz, where protests and road blockades have intensified, exacerbating the country's existing economic and political difficulties. While President Paz has garnered support from the United States and several regional governments, he also faced a diplomatic spat with Colombia. The protests involve various groups, including campesinos, indigenous communities, and labor unions like the Central Obrera Boliviana (COB), who have presented a list of over 200 demands, including a 20% salary increase and assurances against the privatization of state-owned companies.

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The President abrogated the law on May 13, but this only deactivated the conflict with the Amazonian sectors.

Key to the current unrest is the government's proposed land reform law, which initially sparked a 24-day march by Amazonian campesinos and indigenous groups. They feared the law would facilitate land concentration. Although President Paz abrogated the law on May 13, this move only appeased the Amazonian sectors, leaving other groups, like the COB and the Federación de Campesinos Tupac Katari, to continue their push for his ouster.

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The COB declared an indefinite strike at the beginning of the month, without achieving follow-through on the measure, but since then it has led the daily street protests in La Paz by teachers, factory workers, peasants, and mining sectors.

The government has pointed fingers at former President Evo Morales, accusing him of orchestrating the ongoing conflict. In response to the escalating violence and disruptions, the Prosecutor's Office has issued arrest warrants for protest leaders, including COB leader Mario Argollo, on charges such as public incitement to crime and terrorism. The government holds these leaders responsible for the deaths of three women, who allegedly did not receive timely medical attention due to the blockades, highlighting the severe humanitarian consequences of the prolonged unrest.

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The government accused former President Evo Morales (2006-2019) of encouraging the conflict.