Explosions heard as mining groups stage antigovernment protest in Bolivia

"Protesters have demanded the resignation of President Rodrigo Paz, who was elected on a platform of economic reform. Demonstrators, led by mining groups and rural unions, have clashed with law enforcement in Bolivia as tensions simmer over the country's economic crisis, the worst in decades. On Thursday, small explosions were heard in the midst of the protest in La Paz, credited to miners setting off small sticks of dynamite. Some protesters were reported as attempting to breach the presidential palace."

"The unrest follows weeks of road blockades, as miners, farmers, teachers and rural workers express frustration over the country's ongoing economic turmoil. Bolivia used to be a major exporter of natural gas, but in recent years, its reserves began to shrivel, and its production has plummeted. Now, rather than being a fuel exporter, it has become a net importer, reliant on oil and natural gas from abroad."

"The collapse of the natural gas industry has been coupled with dwindling supplies of foreign currency in the country. The result has been soaring inflation, supply shortages and higher prices. Bolivians have experienced long lines for fuel, and hospitals have reported a lack of basic supplies like oxygen and medication."

"Centre-right leader Rodrigo Paz was elected in October last year in part on a promise to address the economic tailspin. His victory marked a political sea change in Bolivia. For much of the past two decades, except for a brief period in 2019, the country has been governed by the Movement Towards Socialism (MAS). The decline of MAS has been credited, in part, to the uproar over the economy. But on Thursday, Paz likewise faced calls from protesters for his resignation, just as his MAS predecessor, Luis Arce, had."

Protests in La Paz demand the resignation of President Rodrigo Paz, elected on a platform of economic reform. Demonstrators led by mining groups and rural unions have clashed with law enforcement as economic turmoil worsens. Small explosions were reported during the protest, attributed to miners using sticks of dynamite. Some protesters attempted to breach the presidential palace. The unrest follows weeks of road blockades involving miners, farmers, teachers, and rural workers. Bolivia’s natural gas industry has collapsed, with reserves shrinking and production falling, turning the country from a major exporter into a net importer. Dwindling foreign currency supplies have contributed to soaring inflation, shortages, higher prices, long fuel lines, and hospital reports of missing oxygen and medication.

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