What's behind Bolivia's ongoing protests?

Highways have been blocked for weeks in La Paz, where Bolivia’s government is based, and tensions have intensified. Demonstrators have detonated small charges of dynamite, stormed public buildings, and established dozens of blockades. Fuel and food shortages have followed, and hospitals have run out of oxygen cylinders. Banks have closed as a precaution. Economists warn the protests are pushing Bolivia deeper into crisis. The US State Department has called the protests an attempted coup. Bolivia’s police have used tear gas to disperse protests. Underlying economic weakness includes a weak export sector and a shortage of foreign currency needed for fuel imports. After years of strong state control, voters sought change in 2025, but political fragmentation and limited party unity have complicated reforms.

"Highways have been blocked for weeks, and now the situation is growing ever more tense in the city of La Paz, where Bolivia's government is based. Local journalists reported that demonstrators have begun detonating small charges of dynamite to express their discontent. Protesters have stormed public buildings and set up dozens of blockades, leading to fuel and food shortages and causing hospitals to run out of oxygen cylinders. Banks have closed as a precaution."

"Economists warn that the protests are plunging Bolivia ever deeper into crisis. The US State Department has even called the ongoing protests an "attempted coup." Bolivian police have used tear gas to disperse protests in recent days. The combination of blockades, violence, and institutional disruption has intensified the pressure on daily life and essential services."

"Bolivia's economy has been struggling for some time. As a result of a weak export sector, the Bolivian state lacks foreign currency, which it urgently needs for fuel imports, among other things. After almost 20 years of socialist governance with strong state control over economic affairs under Presidents Evo Morales and Luis Arce, Bolivians voted for change in 2025."

"Ahead of the runoff election in October, the two right-leaning candidates promised economic reforms and greater market freedoms. Jorge Quiroga, who enjoyed considerable public support, wanted to put Bolivia back on track with a cash injection from the International Monetary Fund. Yet in the end, center-right lawmaker Rodrigo Paz, who had campaigned on a platform of state reform without outside help, won the presidential election."

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