Bolivia protesters agree to dialogue with President Paz amid months-long road blockades

After more than six weeks of nationwide road blockades that have crippled transport, caused food and fuel shortages, and cost an estimated $1.6‑$2 billion, Bolivia’s major labor and peasant groups are signaling a shift toward negotiations. The Central Workers’ Union (COB) and the Túpac Katari Peasant Federation announced they would draft a national agenda for dialogue with President Rodrigo Paz’s government, ending their earlier demand for his resignation. Leaders described the protests as “exhausting” and said any talks must address institutional, legal and political errors.

The government, which has so far avoided declaring a state of emergency, has not formally responded to the proposal but has indicated willingness to discuss “legitimate” demands. Analysts noted that both sides are experiencing wear, and that a negotiated settlement could be “an honorable exit for both parties.” The talks could determine whether the country returns to normalcy or continues the confrontations that have disrupted daily life across at least six of Bolivia’s nine departments.