Bolivia President Rodrigo Paz Faces Resignation Calls as General Strike Enters Fifth Week

Massive protests have gripped Bolivia, with almost 100 roadblocks across the country forcing the shutdown of major routes linking La Paz, Cochabamba, Oruro and border points with Chile and Peru. The demonstrations are led by a coalition of indigenous campesino groups, trade unions such as the Central Obrera Boliviana (COB), mining cooperatives and neighborhood councils. Their unified demand is the immediate resignation of President Rodrigo Paz, citing the end of food and fuel subsidies, tax cuts for the wealthy and plans to privatize national resources.

The strike, now in its fifth week, has prompted the resignation of Defense Minister Marcelo Salinas and Education Minister Beatriz García, after they opposed a state of emergency that would grant security forces full powers to suppress the mobilizations. Protest leaders have also accused the United States of covert interference, alleging espionage and attempts to divide the movement. The situation remains volatile, with frequent tear‑gas deployments and arrests as the protesters maintain control of key infrastructure.