Breaking
World leaders gather for emergency summit on climate crisis • Tech giants announce major breakthrough in fusion energy • Stocks reach all-time high as global trade recovers • Global News 24 launches premium news experience • Stay updated with real-time headlines •
BACK TO NEWS
Health1 day ago

Bolivia: Clashes in La Paz as protesters demand President Paz's ouster

DW News
DW News

Verified Publisher

Bolivia: Clashes in La Paz as protesters demand President Paz's ouster

Riot police fired tear gas at demonstrators in Bolivia's capital, La Paz, while road blockades deepened shortages of fuel, food and medical supplies.

Riot police fired tear gas to stop protesters from reaching the capital's main square, while demonstrators hurled stones and explosives.

Thousands of farmers, miners, teachers and members of Indigenous groups have joined weeks-long protests demanding wage increases, economic stability and the resignation of Paz , whose less than six months old administration has struggled to contain Bolivia's worst economic crisis in decades.

The country's year-on-year inflation hit 14% in April.

"We want him to resign because he's incompetent. Bolivia is going through a moment of chaos," 60-year-old farmer Ivan Alarcon told the AFP news agency.

More than 100 arrested, say reports Protesters swarmed government buildings and set up blockades disrupting fuel and food supplies across the country.

Local media said more than 100 arrests, though authorities have not confirmed a figure. Two demonstrators were reportedly injured, according to the AFP news agency.

The COB has joined calls for Paz to step down.

What did the government say?

Supporters of former president Evo Morales also marched into La Paz after a seven-day protest trek from Oruro, widening unrest that has blocked highways for nearly two weeks.

Economy Minister Jose Gabriel Espinoza dismissed the protesters as "political operatives seeking to serve as a stepping stone" for "coca leaf grower" Morales to return to power.

State oil company YPFB said roadblocks had forced the suspension of fuel shipments from its Senkata plant, worsening shortages of fuel, food and medical supplies.

Edited by: Dmytro Hubenko

Read original story at DW News

Continue reading this article on the publisher's website.

Visit Website

More from DW News