Bolivia protests and strikes in 2026 prompt state of emergency

In the first half of 2026, Bolivia experienced extensive social unrest, with more than 50 days of strikes, road blockades and demonstrations that involved urban workers, campesinos, indigenous groups and youth. The mobilizations were sparked by opposition to President Rodrigo Paz’s austerity and economic adjustment measures, compounded by fuel shortages, a lack of dollars and rising living costs.

The Central Obrera Boliviana (COB) initially backed the protests, demanding Paz’s resignation and organizing a large national march on June 10. After 54 days of disruptions, the COB shifted to conditional negotiations, leading to an agreement that offered no clear guarantees for political prisoners or the protestors’ demands. On the night of June 19, the Paz government declared a state of emergency and, in the early hours of June 20, launched a security operation that cleared blockades, militarised conflict zones and intensified police and military actions against demonstrators. The unrest gradually subsided, though some transit restrictions and local protests over fuel and cost‑of‑living issues persisted.