Full Breakdown
Bolivian Miners and Unions Intensify Protests, Demand President Rodrigo Paz’s Resignation
5/15/2026, 7:18:01 AM
Violent Clashes in La Paz
On May 14, police deployed tear-gas as miners tried to breach the presidential palace in Plaza Murillo, La Paz. Witnesses reported small dynamite charges. About 20 miners had entered the palace earlier for emergency talks. Demonstrators chanted slogans demanding President Rodrigo Paz’s resignation, while road blockades halted deliveries of food, medical supplies and oxygen.
Economic Crisis and Law 1720
The unrest follows an economic crisis marked by a shortage of U.S. dollars, falling energy output and the removal of a gas subsidy. Miners, farmers and unions cite fuel scarcity, a shortage of explosives and delays in opening new mining areas. Law 1720, a reform that would have allowed land mortgaging, was repealed after protests but is still criticised for threatening Indigenous and peasant land rights.
Key Actors and Demands
President Rodrigo Paz leads the government. Mining leader Ladislao Pardo of the La Paz Federation demands fuel, explosives, higher pay and repeal of restrictive regulations. COB secretary-general Mario Argollo calls for a 20 % minimum-wage rise and an indefinite strike. Peasant union leader Oscar Cardoza defends collective land rights. Evo Morales backs the protests; Roger Adan Chambi condemns Law 1720.
Timeline of Key Dates
Key dates: May 1 – COB declares an indefinite strike; May 8 – government ignores a resolution; May 13 – miners join nationwide blockades; May 14 – police-tear-gas clash with dynamite in La Paz; May 15 – President Paz repeals Law 1720 and urges dialogue.
Data Snapshot
About 70 road blockades have been reported. Miners marched 1,100 km from the Amazon to La Paz over 20 days. At least 50 participants needed medical care for exhaustion. Protesters demand a 20 % minimum-wage increase; the current minimum wage is 3,300 bolivianos (? $478).
Government Response
President Paz convened ministers, repealed Law 1720 and called for an end to unrest. Economy Minister José Gabriel Espinoza said the government was willing to negotiate. Officials pledged to review fuel subsidies and social-welfare benefits and urged protesters to lift blockades.
Opposition and Criticism
Evo Morales warned that “as long as the structural demands such as fuel, food, and inflation are not addressed, the uprising will not be halted.” Ladislao Pardo said president’s absence left miners “no alternative but to mobilize.” Roger Adan Chambi said Law 1720 was passed without consulting sectors it was meant to benefit, jeopardizing land security.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the explosives: one describes “what appeared to be dynamite sticks,” another reports “small dynamite charges.” The number of road blockades is cited as “70” by one source and as “extensive” by another, leaving the exact scale unclear.
Verbatim Quotes
- “open to dialogue” — José Gabriel Espinoza, Economy Minister
- “Starting today, a general, indefinite, and active strike is declared, until the government understands the people’s demands,” — Mario Argollo, COB secretary-general
- “as long as the structural demands such as fuel, food, and inflation are not addressed, the uprising will not be halted.” — Evo Morales, former President
- “Our life is collective, not individual. The land must be respected; it’s not for sale.” — Oscar Cardoza, peasant-union leader
