Bolivia’s President Faces Resignation Demands Amid 40-Year Economic Crisis

Thousands of protesters have converged on La Paz, Bolivia, demanding the resignation of President Rodrigo Paz as the nation grapples with its most severe economic crisis in four decades. The demonstrations, which involve a broad coalition of farmers, miners, teachers, public sector workers and Indigenous communities, were triggered by high inflation, the removal of fuel subsidies and proposed privatisations of state-owned enterprises.

The unrest has escalated into violent clashes with riot police in the administrative capital. Tear gas blanketed central La Paz for hours as officers confronted demonstrators attempting to reach the main square, which houses key government buildings. In response, protesters hurled stones and small explosives. The resulting confrontations have led to significant disruptions, with road blockades causing shortages of food, fuel and medicine in the city.

President Paz, who assumed office less than six months ago following two decades of largely socialist rule, has implemented controversial measures intended to stabilise the economy. Officials claim that scrapping longstanding fuel subsidies was necessary to halt the drain on foreign currency reserves. However, the decision has failed to stabilise fuel supplies and has instead intensified public anger over rising prices and scarcity.

Year-on-year inflation reached 14 per cent in April, eroding purchasing power and deepening dissatisfaction with the cost of living. Ivan Alarcon, a 60-year-old farmer who travelled approximately 90km from Caquiaviri to join the protests, cited incompetence and chaos as primary motivations for his participation. The mobilisations have been building for weeks over issues including wage increases and economic instability.

Authorities have not released an official injury toll, but the AFP news agency reported that at least two protesters were injured. Images released by the government showed protesters entering an office and removing furniture, computers and other equipment. Local TV station Unitel reported that more than 100 people have been detained nationwide, though an official government count remains unavailable.