Bolivia's main labor federation presses government for immediate pacification

The Central Obrera Boliviana (COB) issued a public conminatoria, presenting an eight‑point plan that calls for an immediate pacification of the country. The document, addressed to President Rodrigo Paz, demands the end of road blockades, the delivery of food, medicines, oxygen and fuel, a halt to the privatization of strategic public enterprises, guarantees for protest rights, greater transparency, and economic measures to curb price hikes and protect employment.

COB leader Mario Argollo warned that without a swift governmental response the protests could spread further, while denying any political affiliation with former President Evo Morales. The government, represented by presidential spokesperson José Luis Gálvez, accepted the invitation to dialogue, scheduling a meeting at the Casa Grande del Pueblo on Wednesday at 09:00. The executive pledged to create conditions for emergency relief and to discuss the COB’s eight‑axis proposal, although the document does not request the president’s resignation.

Regional labor leaders reported logistical obstacles in holding a national COB assembly, citing lack of quorum and interference at meeting venues. In contrast, campesino and Morales‑aligned groups rejected any dialogue that does not include the president’s resignation, threatening to expand road blockades that have already isolated large parts of the country for over six weeks.