In Bolivia, mass protests and road blockades have escalated the political crisis surrounding President Rodrigo Paz less than six months after he took office. This was reported by the Associated Press, according to UNN.
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Two weeks of road blockades organized by trade unions, miners, and peasant associations have led to food shortages in La Paz and a lack of oxygen in hospitals. According to the government, at least three people have died after ambulances were unable to reach medical facilities.
On Monday in the capital, supporters of former President Evo Morales clashed with police and joined protests demanding Paz's resignation.
Government accuses Morales of destabilization
The protests began with demands for wage increases, stable fuel supplies, and expanded access to mining sites for miners. Public school teachers are also putting forward separate demands.
Those who seek to destroy democracy will go to prison
Presidential spokesperson José Luis Gálvez stated that some of the demands have already been addressed, but "there are dark forces seeking to destabilize democracy," hinting at the role of Evo Morales.
AP notes that economic losses from the protests exceed $50 million daily, and about 5,000 vehicles remain stranded on the country's roads.
Morales himself, who is evading arrest over a sexual assault case, denies the allegations and calls them politically motivated. He stated that the "uprising will not be suppressed" until the problems of inflation, fuel, and food shortages are resolved.
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