Protesters March on Bolivian Capital Amid Morales Alliance Tensions

Bolivia Protests Continue Amid Economic Crisis

Thousands of supporters of former President Evo Morales have converged on the capital, La Paz, as part of a nationwide protest movement. The protesters, some carrying dynamite sticks and slingshots, clashed with riot police in downtown areas. Security forces responded with tear gas canisters.

The protests began over two weeks ago and have become a major challenge for President Rodrigo Paz’s administration. The economic crisis has led to shortages across the country, including fuel, food, and medical supplies. Paz inherited the nation’s most severe economic crisis in 40 years and has struggled to address it.

The government has reached deals with striking miners and teachers, but many groups continue to protest. Road blockades have been a main tactic of social movements allied with Morales, which claim to represent Bolivia’s rural Indigenous majority. The blockages have stranded thousands of trucks on key highways, triggering shortages in La Paz and other cities.

The government deployed police and military officers across the country to break the blockades over the weekend, resulting in an unspecified number of injuries and at least 90 arrests as of Monday. Deputy Interior Minister Hernán Paredes stated that the government will take action if protesters commit crimes.

Paz has accused Morales of orchestrating the unrest to undermine his administration. Neighboring countries have condemned the situation, with eight allied Latin American governments releasing a joint statement rejecting any actions aimed at destabilizing the democratic order. The US Department of State also expressed support for Paz’s efforts to restore order in Bolivia.

Source: Al Jazeera