Bolivia's capital under siege as protests deepen crisis for President Paz
Bolivia's President Rodrigo Paz is facing significant challenges as protests and blockades intensify in La Paz, just months into his administration. The unrest, driven by demands for wage increases and fuel supplies, has led to severe disruptions, including empty markets and depleted hospital resources. As clashes between supporters of former President Evo Morales and police escalate, Paz's lack of legislative support complicates his response to the crisis.
- ▪Protests and road blockades have left Bolivia's capital under siege, affecting essential services.
- ▪At least three people have died due to blocked emergency vehicles reaching medical centers.
- ▪The ongoing unrest is draining over $50 million per day from Bolivia's economy.
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The Americas Bolivia's capital under siege as protests deepen crisis for President Paz May 20, 20261:48 AM ET By The Associated Press Demonstrators run across a street during an anti-government protest in La Paz, Bolivia, Monday, May 18, 2026. Freddy Barragan/AP hide caption toggle caption Freddy Barragan/AP LA PAZ, Bolivia — Bolivia's President Rodrigo Paz faces a deepening crisis as widespread protests and blockades leave the political capital under siege less than six months after he took office. Two weeks of road closures — spearheaded by the Bolivian Workers' Central, COB, peasant unions and miners — have emptied markets in La Paz and depleted vital hospital oxygen reserves.
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