In Bolivia, supporters of former President Morales took to the streets to protest against the current government. This led to clashes and violence, and several people were injured.
In Bolivia, protests against the government have brought parts of public life to a standstill. For the second day in a row, supporters of former President Evo Morales took to the streets against the current government of Luis Arce. Media reported road blockades and several dozen people were injured in clashes with security forces.
Morales had called for a “march to save Bolivia” that was to lead from the village of Caracollo to the city of La Paz. Despite a ruling by the Bolivian Constitutional Court last year that prohibits him from running in the 2025 elections, he wants to run against his former ally Arce.
tear gas bombs, stones, Fireworks
The demonstration began peacefully but turned violent when counter-demonstrators confronted them. The nearly 10,000 demonstrators were pelted with tear gas bombs, stones and fireworks by hundreds of pro-Arce activists. A Morales picture was set on fire.
AP reporters observed Morales supporters beating and kicking counter-protesters with sticks and throwing stones at them, forcing them to retreat. An Arce government official said 13 people were injured in the clashes, including three police officers.
Mutual accusations
Arce and his ministers accused Morales of staging a coup attempt. A senior official in Arce's government, Eduardo Del Castillo, called the protest a “death march” and said the former president wanted to “destroy democracy in Bolivia and end the lives of Bolivians.” He denied that police had used violence against peaceful protesters, saying officers were attacked first.
Morales said that Arce's government had “lost respect for human rights and the laws in the country.” Arce, in turn, addressed Morales directly in a speech at the beginning of the week. He asked him not to block the country any further and not to further inflame the atmosphere.
Bolivia before Economic crisis
Bolivia is facing an economic crisis. After several decades of economic growth, economic figures are stagnating and the state is running out of money. The country is suffering from an acute shortage of fuel, which is imported by the state and sold at subsidies.
Morales was Bolivia's first indigenous president. In 2019, he ran for an unconstitutional third term and won. The elections sparked mass protests and 36 people died. Morales resigned and left the country.
