Bolivia’s protest surge challenges President Rodrigo Paz’s government

Massive roadblocks and demonstrations have gripped Bolivia for over a month, with more than 50 blockage points and at least 15 deaths reported. Vice‑president of the Pro‑Santa Cruz Committee, Agustín Zambrana, warned that the unrest is a “septa semana desgraciada” and accused former president Evo Morales of orchestrating the protests to seize power.

On 8 June President Rodrigo Paz declared a state of emergency, which the parliament ratified the next day, suspending democratic rights for 90 days and granting impunity to security forces. Despite this, workers and peasants continue to rally, chanting “Fuera Paz, o renuncias o te echamos,” demanding the president’s resignation. The movement includes miners from Colquiri and Huanuni, and is supported by civic committees aligned with right‑wing factions. Negotiations remain stalled as the protestors resist any compromise, calling for an indefinite general strike and a change in government.

The crisis reflects deep political polarization, economic grievances, and accusations of external influence, raising concerns about Bolivia’s stability and the rule of law.