Bolivia President Rodrigo Paz Faces Protests Over Controversial Decree

In October 2025 Bolivia’s Supreme Electoral Tribunal declared the presidential ticket of Rodrigo Paz Pereira and Edman Lara Montaño the winner with 54 % of the vote, defeating Jorge “Tuto” Quiroga. After taking office, the new administration issued Supreme Decree 5503, which critics say breaches the constitution, curtails legislative powers and conflicts with the state budget law. The decree sparked renewed mobilizations by the Confederación de Obreros de Bolivia (COB) and allied unions, who marched on the government palace in La Paz demanding the repeal of the measure. The protests intensified in early January 2026, leading the president’s cabinet to meet COB representatives in the Santa Rosa market of El Alto and agree to withdraw the disputed decree.

The unrest reflects broader dissatisfaction with the Paz government’s perceived lack of popular, legislative and political backing, compounded by issues such as poor fuel quality from YPFB and ongoing blockades around La Paz.