Bolivia’s President Rodrigo Paz Warns Country At Breaking Point Amid Protests, Roadblocks

Bolivia’s President Rodrigo Paz warned the country is at "breaking point" after a month of anti-government protests that have led to seven deaths and hundreds of arrests.

“Bolivian president warns country at 'breaking point' after month of protests Bolivia's President Rodrigo Paz has warned the country is "at breaking point" after a month of anti-government protests that have led to seven deaths and hundreds of arrests”

BBC

BBC said demonstrators led by unions and indigenous groups set up roadblocks across Bolivia, causing serious shortages of basic goods and paralysing large parts of the nation.

BBC

In an interview with Reuters, Minister José Luis Lupo said the Bolivian government is not considering the possibility of President Rodrigo Paz's resignation despite ongoing anti-government protests and road blockades.

Lupo said the protesters' demands amount to "Disrespect for democratic institutions and democracy itself is equivalent to an attempted coup d'état," and he recalled that Paz won the 2025 elections, receiving 55% of the vote.

The BBC reported that Congress voted to make it easier for the president to declare a state of emergency and use the military to regain control.

Paz told the BBC that anyone "wanting to destroy the nation" would have to deal with him and the full force of the constitution as he renewed his appeal for dialogue.

The BBC also said Paz insisted the country needs order but has not ruled out using so-called "constitutional instruments" to end the blockades.

Democracy Now!

Democracy Now! quoted Angela Aguirre saying, "The babies are starving. We can’t afford to buy food," as protests continued in La Paz and other cities demanding Paz’s resignation.

In the Reuters interview relayed by UNN, Minister José Luis Lupo said authorities are primarily trying to resolve the situation through negotiations with the protesters, but do not rule out other steps to ensure the delivery of fuel, food, and medicine.

UNN reported that the number of active protesters is estimated at approximately 30,000 people while about 3.5 million citizens voted for the ruling party in the elections.

The BBC said the protests are causing daily economic losses of more than $50m nationwide, with road blockades exacerbating fuel shortages and inflation raising living costs.

“Arabic version:بوليفيا تواجه أزمة مع تصاعد الاحتجاجات المطالبة باستقالة الرئيس Bolivian President Rodrigo Paz warns the country is at a “breaking point” after nearly a month of protests that have caused shortages of food, fuel, and life-saving medicine”

Oz Arab Media

UNN reported that authorities are considering a state of emergency to restore the supply of goods, while Lupo said a state of emergency or requests for international support are completely legal and legitimate.

Democracy Now! said Bolivia’s Congress approved the possible deployment of armed forces to suppress the mobilizations, a move that would also help President Paz declare a state of emergency.

UNN reported that the protests are led by trade unions and supporters of former president Evo Morales, who demand the cancellation of austerity measures and action against the rising cost of living.

BBC added that lawmakers who backed the move said "violent" groups should not be able to dictate to the elected government, while those who voted against warned it could heighten social tensions.