Bolivia confronts escalating protests as unions, Indigenous organizations, and teachers mobilize against fuel shortages, labor reforms, and Law 1720.
Unions, Indigenous groups, and educators announce nationwide actions over fuel shortages, wages, and disputed Law 1720
Bolivia is entering a week of intensified social conflict as trade unions, Indigenous organizations, and education workers announce coordinated mobilizations against the government of President Rodrigo Paz. The protests center on fuel shortages, labor demands, and opposition to agrarian reforms.
Amid expectations of widespread disruption, President Rodrigo Paz addressed the situation on social media, stating: “Bolivia wants change and I am not afraid of mobilizations; I am a builder of democracy.” He also acknowledged concerns over the state’s capacity to “provide real solutions” to the ongoing crisis.
The Central Obrera Boliviana (COB), long considered a key ally of past Movement Toward Socialism (MAS) administrations, has now distanced itself from the government. The federation is maintaining its demand for a 20% wage increase. The executive has rejected the proposal, arguing that the minimum wage was already raised earlier this year to 3,300 bolivianos (474 US dollars).
Tensions also persist over broader labor policies. The COB has opposed the potential closure of unprofitable state-owned enterprises and rejected proposed government “updates” to the General Labor Law. A national meeting of union leaders is scheduled for Tuesday, ahead of a large demonstration planned in El Alto on May 1.
Teachers’ unions have also escalated their mobilization, bringing in delegations from across the country. They are demanding increased education funding and rejecting decentralization reforms promoted by the government.
Energy and transport disruption
The fuel crisis linked to Yacimientos Petrolíferos Fiscales Bolivianos (YPFB) remains a central trigger of unrest. Diesel shortages and irregular distribution have caused long queues across the country’s main corridor, including La Paz, El Alto, Cochabamba, and Santa Cruz.
YPFB has appointed its third executive president in less than three months, reflecting ongoing instability in the state energy sector. In response to the lack of government solutions, campesino leader Carlos Tancara announced that indefinite road blockades will begin Monday in northern La Paz.
Text Reads: The PumaKatari service is operating at 20% capacity and the Mayor’s Office warns that it will only be able to serve during peak hours.
In the department of Pando, Indigenous and campesino organizations—now joined by mining groups—are continuing a march toward La Paz demanding the repeal of Law 1720.
While the government argues that the law improves access to credit by reclassifying small rural property as medium-sized, Amazonian communities and allied groups say it benefits business interests and promotes deforestation, threatening Indigenous territories.
With overlapping labor disputes, Indigenous mobilization, and an unresolved fuel crisis, the Bolivian government faces mounting pressure at the start of a politically volatile week.
Author: MK
Source: Agencies
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