Violent protests and road blockades have entered a second week in Bolivia, turning the capital city of La Paz into a battleground. Riot police have clashed with demonstrators using tear gas, while government offices have been looted amidst escalating violence that has left dozens of people injured.
The unrest targets centre-right President Rodrigo Paz Pereira, with protesters demanding his immediate resignation. This turmoil comes less than six months after Paz Pereira took office, ending nearly two decades of rule by the leftwing Movimiento al Socialismo.
The crisis is fueled by the worst economic downturn the Andean nation has faced in 40 years. Many voters who initially supported the more conservative president now claim he has made their lives harder, contributing to the mounting anger gripping the country.
Road blockades have deepened critical shortages of food, fuel, and medical supplies. While the Bolivian government and U.S. officials have warned that a coup attempt is underway, the government has ruled out declaring a state of emergency.