La Paz – Protesters in Bolivia demanding the resignation of conservative President Rodrigo Paz clashed with police on Monday. Demonstrators in La Paz threw fireworks, stones, and sticks at officers, who responded with tear gas. Dozens of people were arrested during the unrest, which took place as ongoing road blockades continued to paralyze the Andean nation.
According to the Associated Press, renewed clashes erupted in the central city of Cochabamba after President Paz signed a measure that could pave the way for a government crackdown on the protests. The demonstrations have rocked Bolivia for five weeks, disrupting transportation and causing shortages of food, fuel, and medical supplies.
The National Workers Union, along with farmers and indigenous highland groups, set up 90 roadblocks on main highways across the country. They protested the president’s decision to cancel fuel subsidies and expressed frustration over his failure during the past seven months to solve Bolivia’s chronic economic problems. As a result, major cities—including La Paz, the seat of government, and neighboring El Alto—have been effectively isolated.
Many protesters, struggling with rising inflation and falling wages, accuse President Paz of neglecting them since their support helped him win office.