Bolivia President Rodrigo Paz appoints new defense minister as road blockades intensify

President Rodrigo Paz of Bolivia named former anti‑drug chief Ernesto Justiniano as the new defense minister, replacing Marcelo Salinas, amid nationwide road blockades that began in May. The protests, driven by campesino unions, the Central Workers' Union and supporters of former president Evo Morales, have spread across La Paz, El Alto, Oruro and Cochabamba, causing food, fuel and medicine shortages and a humanitarian crisis.

The blockades have resulted in about ten deaths, including victims who could not reach medical care. Paz blamed the unrest on financing from coca‑producing regions, saying evidence shows money from narcotics areas is used to fund the mobilizations. He warned that the blockades create gaps that drug traffickers and criminal groups can exploit.

Justiniano pledged to support the armed forces, restore peace, order and democratic coexistence, and to pursue dialogue while ensuring security and the delivery of essential supplies.