Bolivia Deploys 3500 Security Forces to Clear Protest Roadblocks Near La Paz

Bolivian security forces launched an early-morning operation Saturday to clear roadblocks set up by protesters outside La Paz. About 3500 soldiers and police took part in the action aimed at reopening roadways that had been closed during weeks of nationwide antigovernment demonstrations.

The citizens’ rights ombudsman’s office reported that 57 people were arrested during the clashes between security forces and demonstrators. Protesters including miners, schoolteachers, Indigenous groups and unions have demanded the resignation of President Rodrigo Paz, who took office after winning election in October.

The demonstrations reflect widespread anger over Bolivia’s economic crisis, which officials describe as the worst in decades. The country’s foreign currency reserves have fallen sharply as exports, particularly natural gas, have declined. Bolivia became a major energy exporter after large natural gas discoveries in the late 20th century, but the sector shifted in 2022 amid mismanagement and falling production.

Since 2022 the country has imported fuel, contributing to long lines at gas stations and shortages of basic supplies including food. Paz campaigned on easing the economic pressures but has faced criticism for ending a two-decade-old fuel subsidy and moving to privatize state-owned companies.

Earlier this month the protests led to the repeal of Law 1720, a land reform measure that critics said could allow dispossession of small rural landowners in favor of larger holdings. The government has counted 22 roadblocks established across the country in recent weeks.

Paz’s office has stated that the blockades have cut off supplies to cities including La Paz, where the seat of government is located. Officials say food prices have risen since the protests began and that three people have died after being unable to reach hospitals.

According to a presidential spokesperson, Saturday’s operation was intended to create a humanitarian corridor to ensure supplies could reach hospitals in La Paz. The government earlier received humanitarian assistance from Argentina. President Rodrigo Paz thanked his Argentinian counterpart for the aid in a social media post on Friday.

The Argentinian president responded by stating that Argentina supports Bolivia’s elected government against those seeking to destabilize the country. The protests mark the first major challenge to Paz since his election ended nearly two decades of rule by the Movement for Socialism party.