Bolivia’s nationwide blockades enter 46th day amid growing calls for dialogue and government resignation

Protests in Bolivia have entered their 46th day, with around 80 blockade points across six of the nine departments. The number of closed points fell from more than 60 last week to at least 52, the highest concentrations being in Cochabamba (32) and La Paz (20).

Demands focus on the resignation of President Rodrigo Paz Pereira and his cabinet, the arrest of former president Evo Morales, and the reversal of neoliberal measures imposed by the IMF, such as fuel subsidy cuts and a controversial agrarian reform. Civic leaders, including the mayor of El Alto, have urged the protesters to seek dialogue rather than continue blockades that disrupt transport and fuel supplies.

The government has enacted a new law expanding powers to declare a state of exception, which could allow the armed forces to intervene and suspend civil guarantees. The Catholic Church has offered to mediate, while the Central Obrera Boliviana (COB) and various social organizations continue to organize open cabildos to discuss strategy.