Bolivia Unrest Deepens as Pressure Mounts on President Rodrigo Paz

Bolivia is facing a worsening political crisis as anti-government protests, road blockades and violent clashes intensify across the country, with growing calls for President Rodrigo Paz to resign just six months after taking office.

Demonstrations that began over wage demands, contaminated fuel and controversial land reforms have evolved into a broader movement driven by anger over economic hardship and accusations that Paz has abandoned the working-class and Indigenous voters who helped elect him.

Protesters have blocked major roads around the capital, La Paz, causing food shortages, transport disruptions and school closures in parts of the city. Powerful labour groups, including the Bolivian Workers’ Union, have joined the demonstrations, accusing the government of failing to address the country’s deepening economic problems.

Analysts say public frustration has grown after Paz adopted policies viewed as favouring business elites, including removing taxes on large fortunes, supporting agribusiness reforms and strengthening ties with the United States and Israel. Critics argue these moves contradict the promises he made during the 2025 election campaign.

Former President Evo Morales has also intensified pressure on the government by mobilising supporters in a march towards La Paz demanding Paz’s resignation and an end to legal proceedings against him. Morales, Bolivia’s first Indigenous president, remains influential despite facing allegations of abusing a teenage girl while in office.

Violence has escalated in recent days, with miners armed with dynamite clashing with police near government buildings. Authorities say more than 120 people have been arrested and at least 11 injured during the unrest.

The government insists it will continue dialogue with legitimate protest groups while taking legal action against what it describes as attempts to destabilise democracy. Officials have also announced plans to create humanitarian corridors to deliver food and medicine into La Paz as blockades continue.

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