Topic analysis

Bolivia: Clashes in La Paz as protesters demand President Paz's ouster

Weeks-long anti-government protests intensified in Bolivia's capital La Paz on Monday, as demonstrators clashed with riot police while demanding the resignation of President Rodrigo Paz amid the country's worst economic crisis in decades (14% year-on-year inflation in April). Protesters—including farmers, miners, teachers, Indigenous groups, and supporters of former President Evo Morales—have set up road blockades causing shortages of fuel, food, and medical supplies; over 100 arrests are reported, an arrest warrant has been issued for COB labor union head Mario Argollo on terrorism and incitement charges, and Economy Minister Jose Gabriel Espinoza accuses protesters of acting as operatives for Morales' return to power.