Bolivia protests intensify, demand immediate resignation of President Rodrigo Paz

Mass mobilisations across Bolivia, led by the Central Obrera Boliviana (COB) and allied social groups, have escalated into blockades of major routes and a siege of La Paz and El Alto. Protesters accuse President Rodrigo Paz of implementing anti‑popular measures, mismanaging a fuel scandal involving over‑priced, low‑quality gasoline, and fostering corruption. They demand his immediate resignation and the release of detained demonstrators.

A cabildo of social sectors in El Alto formally reaffirmed the call for Paz's resignation, urging authorities to halt persecution of leaders, ensure fuel and food supplies, and honour a pact of unity among workers, peasants and neighbourhood councils. Government offers of dialogue have been rejected, while the Catholic Church, the Defensoría del Pueblo and other mediators continue to seek a settlement.