Military and law enforcement in Bolivia engaged with demonstrators outside La Paz in an effort to remove roadblocks set up as part of widespread antigovernment protests. Approximately 3,500 soldiers and police were mobilized during the operation that commenced early Saturday morning, resulting in around 57 arrests, according to the citizens’ rights ombudsman’s office. The protests, organized by miners, schoolteachers, Indigenous groups, and unions, reflect growing discontent with the government of center-right President Rodrigo Paz amidst a severe economic crisis characterized by dwindling foreign currency reserves and increasing shortages of essential supplies. The crisis has intensified following the government’s termination of a longstanding fuel subsidy and attempts to privatize state-owned enterprises, leading to demands for Paz’s resignation. Amidst the turmoil, officials have reported fatalities linked to obstructed access to medical facilities, with the government asserting that the demonstrations have adversely affected supply chains in La Paz, prompting a crackdown aimed at restoring essential services.
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