Explainer-What is behind Bolivia’s widening protests?
Bolivia is experiencing widespread protests primarily driven by economic grievances and opposition to austerity measures. Supporters of former president Evo Morales have joined various labor unions and rural groups in demanding changes from President Rodrigo Paz's government. The unrest has led to significant disruptions, including road blockades and shortages of essential supplies across the country.
- ▪Protests in Bolivia have escalated over the past two weeks, blocking roads and causing shortages of food, fuel, and medical supplies.
- ▪Demonstrators are demanding the government address rising living costs and have called for President Paz's resignation.
- ▪The government has deployed security forces to clear roadblocks and has arrested around 57 individuals amid the unrest.
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Explainer-What is behind Bolivia’s widening protests?Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inboxPublished May 19, 2026, 01:58 AMUpdated May 19, 2026, 01:58 AMLA PAZ, May 18 - Supporters of Bolivia's former leftist president Evo Morales marched through La Paz on Monday, widening unrest that has blocked roads for nearly two weeks and triggered shortages of food, fuel and medical supplies across the country.The disruptions have stranded trucks on highways and left patients unable to reach hospitals, authorities said.
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