In Bolivia’s capital La Paz, thousands of miners protested against the government on Thursday. The demonstrators attempted to storm the government palace, throwing dynamite sticks towards the police, who responded with tear gas to prevent access to the central square in front of the parliament. These clashes represent the latest expression of nationwide unrest that has been ongoing for more than a week.
The protests were triggered by demands for labor reforms and rising fuel prices. Throughout the day, the demonstrators increasingly called for the resignation of Rodrigo Paz, who has been in office for six months and plans to open up the economy to boost Bolivia’s struggling economy.
The situation in Bolivia is tense as the country faces a deep economic and fuel crisis. Domestic energy production is declining, further fueling social tensions. The protests initially began with farmers demanding the repeal of a law allowing the pledging of land. President Paz had repealed this law by decree on Wednesday evening and called for an end to the unrest.
The government has placed some blame on former President Evo Morales for the violence and ongoing roadblocks. Government representatives accused the opposition of stoking the protests. In light of the escalating situation, the government announced talks and a forthcoming clearance of the blockades by police and military.
