Bolivia Rules Out Paz Resignation as 30,000 Protesters Press to Oust Him

8 articles · Updated · Reuters · May 28

Jose Luis Lupo said President Rodrigo Paz will not resign, calling demands for him to step down amid nationwide unrest “anti-democratic” and akin to a coup attempt.
A month of protests and blockades has choked supply chains and cut access to La Paz and El Alto—home to about 2 million people—as unions and Evo Morales loyalists push back against austerity and rising living costs.
Paz on Wednesday moved toward a state of emergency that could deploy troops, while Lupo said the government still prioritizes dialogue but may act to restore fuel, food and medicine transit.
Lupo contrasted roughly 30,000 active protesters with the 3.5 million votes won by the ruling party in 2025, when Paz was elected with 55% support.
The unrest threatens Bolivia’s image, tourism and Paz’s pro-investment agenda in mining, hydrocarbons, lithium and energy, even as lenders including the IMF, IDB and CAF signal support.

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