Violent clashes erupted in La Paz on Thursday as thousands of miners marched through the city center. Demonstrators, calling for the resignation of President Rodrigo Paz, confronted police while attempting to breach the government palace and enter Plaza Murillo. During the unrest, explosions were heard as protesters threw what appeared to be dynamite sticks, and police utilized tear gas to disperse the crowds.
The mining groups are demanding labor reforms, greater access to fuel and explosives, the implementation of mining regulations, and revisions to contracts. President Paz, who was elected on a platform of economic reform, is now facing calls for his resignation.
Six months after his inauguration following a resounding electoral victory, Bolivia is experiencing a deepening fuel and economic crisis characterized by falling domestic energy production and a shortage of U.S. dollars. This has led to growing social unrest involving farming, mining, and other union-aligned groups. Government officials have blamed the opposition for stoking the protests.