Politics Riots during protests in Bolivia - injured
Protests in the Bolivian capital La Paz have once again led to violent clashes between anti-government demonstrators and the police.
19.05.2026, 10:32
SDA
Several people, including police officers and journalists, were injured in the clashes on Monday (local time), as Bolivian media reported, citing the government and police.
The demonstrators, including mining workers, farmers and teachers as well as supporters of former head of state Evo Morales, tried to force their way into the city's main square in front of the government palace. Stones and fireworks were thrown and the police responded with tear gas. Cars were set on fire and several public institutions were stormed and looted. At least 95 people were arrested, the ABI news agency reported, citing the police.
Some demonstrators demand the president's resignation
The protests have been going on for more than two weeks. Roadblocks around La Paz have also led to a shortage of food and fuel in the metropolis. Some of the demonstrators are protesting against the rising cost of living and demanding wage increases, while others want the president to resign. The South American country has been in a deep economic crisis for years, which has repeatedly triggered protests.
President Rodrigo Paz has been in office since November. He belongs to the Christian Democratic Party Partido Demócrata Cristiano, which is associated with the political center. His election victory marked the end of an era of left-wing governments in Bolivia that lasted almost two decades and was long characterized by the power struggle between Morales and his successor Luis Arce, who is also left-wing.
