President Rodrigo Paz announced on Monday that he and his cabinet ministers will reduce their salaries by half. Speaking at an event in Sucre, the country's constitutional capital, Paz stated that the pay cuts demonstrate the government's commitment to the country.
The announcement comes as Bolivia enters its fourth week of political and social unrest, marked by roadblocks and protests demanding Paz's resignation. Demonstrators have clashed with police over the high cost of living and austerity measures implemented by the center-right government, which have contributed to the worst economic crisis the country has seen in 40 years.
The unrest has caused severe supply chain issues in La Paz and El Alto, resulting in shortages of food, fuel, and medicine at gas stations, hospitals, and markets. President Paz, who took office in November and inherited an economy in turmoil, has defended the fuel subsidy reductions and spending cuts as necessary to stabilize public finances. However, the salary cut announcement appeared to fall on deaf ears, as protesters refused to end their blockade of La Paz.