Protests Against President Escalate as Miners and Workers Take to Streets

Thousands of protesters clashed with police in Bolivia’s capital, La Paz, on Monday (25 May 2026), as nationwide demonstrations entered their fourth week, increasing pressure on President Rodrigo Paz to step down. Demonstrations involved various groups including trade unions, miners, transport workers, and rural communities demanding the government revoke austerity policies and address soaring living costs. Road blockages by protesters disrupted logistics in La Paz and neighbouring El Alto, causing shortages of food, fuel, and medicine in several areas. Amid rising political pressure, Paz announced a 50% pay cut for himself and his cabinet ministers, describing it as a commitment to tackling the country’s economic crisis. Meanwhile, tensions escalated in Chapare, a stronghold of former President Evo Morales, where coca farmers from the Six Tropic Federations arrived on motorcycle convoys and surrounded the 9th Army Division in Villa Tunari. Local media reported federation leaders entering the military base to inspect it and warning troops against acting against civilians. The Bolivian government accused Morales supporters of instigating the unrest, with officials claiming protesters were paid to maintain road blockades crippling economic activity and goods distribution.