Bolivia Protests: Thousands Demand President Rodrigo Paz Step Down

Riot police clashed with anti-government protesters in La Paz, the administrative capital of Bolivia, on May 19, 2026. The demonstrations, driven by fuel shortages and a rising cost of living, escalated into demands for the resignation of President Rodrigo Paz, who took office six months prior.

President Paz, a conservative member of the centrist Christian Democratic Party, previously eliminated decades-old fuel subsidies in an effort to protect Bolivia’s foreign reserves. However, the administration has so far been unable to stabilize fuel supplies.

For several weeks, thousands of indigenous activists, teachers, miners, farmers, and laborers have protested against economic instability, stagnant wages, and rising living costs. Protesters have also raised concerns over alleged plans to privatize state-owned companies.

Violence and Arrests in La Paz

Video footage from the May 19 unrest showed riot police deploying tear gas as demonstrators responded by hurling homemade explosives, firecrackers, and projectiles near government buildings. The footage also recorded the burning of a vehicle and several arrests.

Local media reports indicate that more than 100 people were arrested during the demonstrations on May 19.

Supporters of former socialist President Evo Morales joined the marches through major avenues, calling on the government to prevent what they characterized as interference by the United States in the internal affairs of Bolivia.

The US gives Rodrigo Paz instructions, and Rodrigo Paz uses military police to carry out massacres. The current president has been bathed in the blood of Indigenous people.

Feliciano Vegamonte, leader of the Confederation of Peasant Workers

Escalation and Political Tension

The unrest follows an incident on May 18, 2026, when supporters of Evo Morales occupied an airport in Chimore. Morales claimed that Washington was planning to detain him, and the occupation was intended to prevent his arrest by forces he described as US-backed. This action reportedly resulted in 57 arrests.

On the night of May 19, 2026, hundreds of demonstrators loyal to President Paz held their own march through La Paz. These supporters condemned the anti-government protests and urged authorities to declare a state of emergency.

The current political crisis follows a period of instability that deepened after 2019. During that time, Evo Morales was ousted following a disputed election in which he sought a controversial fourth consecutive term. This occurred after Morales had narrowly lost a referendum regarding the removal of term limits for the presidency and vice presidency, which previously capped tenure at two terms.