Explosions Heard During Antigovernment Protest by Mining Groups in Bolivia

Demonstrators led by mining groups and rural unions clashed with law enforcement in La Paz on May 14 as tensions continued over Bolivia's economic crisis. Small explosions were heard during the protest, which police attributed to miners setting off sticks of dynamite.

Some protesters attempted to breach the presidential palace, according to reports. Riot police used tear gas to disperse the crowd. The unrest follows weeks of road blockades staged by miners, farmers, teachers and rural workers. The protests center on demands that the president resign.

Bolivia was once a major exporter of natural gas.

In recent years its reserves have declined sharply and production has fallen, turning the country into a net importer of fuel. The collapse has been accompanied by dwindling foreign currency reserves, resulting in soaring inflation, supply shortages and higher prices.

Bolivians have faced long lines for fuel. Hospitals have reported shortages of basic supplies including oxygen and medication. The current president was elected in October 2025 on a platform promising to address the economic problems.

A group of 20 miners was invited to the presidential palace earlier on May 14 to meet with the president and discuss their demands. Officials said the government remained open to dialogue on issues including fuel subsidies, welfare benefits and changes to an agrarian reform law that had been repealed the previous day after public outcry.

Officials have refused demands that the president step down. One minister stated earlier this month that the president is not going to resign. Some allies of the president have attributed part of the unrest to influence from former President Evo Morales, who has posted on social media denying that the protesters are simply following his direction and calling on authorities to address shortages of food, fuel and other basic supplies.

The events occurred one day after a court issued an arrest warrant for Morales on separate charges.