Bolivia rocked by protests as US warns of ‘coup d’état’
Summary
Bolivia is facing large protests and road blockades against President Rodrigo Paz Pereira, who took office six months ago. The United States has described these protests as an attempted coup, while Bolivia expelled Colombia’s ambassador following critical comments from Colombia’s president. The unrest has caused deaths, injuries, and worsened existing economic problems.Key Facts
- Protests and clashes with police have lasted over a week in Bolivia’s capital, La Paz, blocking roads across the country.
- President Rodrigo Paz Pereira ended 20 years of left-wing rule and re-established relations with the United States.
- The U.S. calls the protests “an ongoing coup d’état” and accuses a political and criminal alliance of funding them.
- Bolivia expelled Colombia’s ambassador after Colombia’s president Gustavo Petro called Paz Pereira a “puppet of the US” and described the unrest as a “popular insurrection.”
- At least four people have died related to the protests, including one in clashes and others due to blocked medical access.
- Bolivia’s economy is struggling with fuel shortages, inflation, and a “dirty fuel” scandal blamed on sabotage by former officials.
- Former President Evo Morales, a key opposition figure, remains in hiding to avoid arrest and is accused by the government of encouraging unrest.
- Morales denies fueling violence and says the protests oppose neoliberal economic policies and seek justice for those harmed by poor fuel quality.
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