- BIST10011,430-2.49%
- USD49.45+0.05%
- EUR55.62+0.37%
- GOLD4,156.80-0.58%
- INTEREST37.00%-1.00
- BITCOIN81,845-0.20%
- October 19, 202617°
- BIST10011,430-2.49%
- USD49.45+0.05%
- EUR55.62+0.37%
- GOLD4,156.80-0.58%
- INTEREST37.00%-1.00
- BITCOIN81,845-0.20%
- October 19, 202617°
Bolivia’s diesel price hike sparks protests as lawmakers seek Paz’s impeachment
A diesel price increase for large-scale commercial consumers in Bolivia, from $0.85 to $1.56 per liter, led to road blockades and clashes between protesters and security forces in Santa Cruz. Following the decision, calls were made to initiate impeachment proceedings against President Rodrigo Paz.
President Rodrigo Paz’s administration came under pressure from protests over diesel prices in Bolivia as well as a political investigation involving the presidential circle. A formal legal filing on Thursday sought to compel the Legislative Assembly to initiate impeachment proceedings against Paz over allegations of treason and corruption.
At the center of the economic tensions is the government’s decision to raise the price of diesel from $0.85 to $1.56 per liter for large-scale commercial consumers, companies, mining operations and exporters. While regular gasoline prices remained unchanged, sectors facing fuel shortages strongly opposed the decision.
At least eight major economic sectors, including rice, soybean and sugarcane producers and national transport unions, united against the government over the price increase. Road blockades occurred across the country, with protests particularly concentrated in the Santa Cruz administrative region, a center of agricultural production.
Santa Cruz–Beni road blocked by barricades
Protesters erected barricades on the strategic highway connecting Santa Cruz and Beni. Security forces used tear gas to disperse those blocking the road and allow stranded vehicles to continue.
The intervention took place under the national state of emergency in effect since June. The Eastern Agricultural Chamber argued that the government had prepared the decree in an “improvised and discriminatory” manner.
Agricultural producers in Yapacaní also gave the government 48 hours to immediately revoke the regulation. They said they would extend the road blockades nationwide if their demands were not met.
Diesel decision linked to IMF loan
Presidential Minister Fernando Aramayo said at a meeting with local mayors on Thursday that removing hydrocarbon subsidies for large users was an indispensable condition for unlocking the International Monetary Fund’s $1.9 billion credit facility.
Aramayo said the credit package was vital to stabilizing Bolivia’s economy and bringing it out of its worst fiscal crisis in 40 years. However, rising prices and fuel shortages intensified opposition to the government’s economic decision.
Cerimedo investigation puts pressure on Paz administration
Another source of political pressure around the presidency was the investigation into Argentine political consultant and presidential adviser Fernando Cerimedo. Cerimedo was detained in Santa Cruz on allegations that he attempted to commit femicide against his former partner, activist lawyer Nadia Beller.
In an accusation made from her hospital bed, Beller alleged that Cerimedo had organized the attack to prevent her from exposing corrupt practices within the government. The investigation into Cerimedo was later expanded to include allegations of illicit enrichment, protection of drug trafficking and corruption schemes allegedly linked to the executive branch.
Cerimedo’s role and influence in state affairs also brought Rodrigo Paz and First Lady Maria Elena Urquidi to the center of the political controversy. Paz later sought to distance himself from his adviser.
Stay Updated with Ally Daily
Subscribe to be informed about special news, developments and announcements. We will keep you informed.
By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy
