Photos| Clashes between police and protesters block roads in Bolivia

Security forces fired tear gas in an attempt to disperse teachers, workers in the transportation sector, indigenous people and others who have been demonstrating in the streets for two weeks, preventing the delivery of food, medicine and other goods to the government headquarters in Bolivia.

57 people were arrested

News reports indicated the participation of about 3,500 police and army personnel in the operation that began in hours The first dawn. The government’s Citizens’ Rights Board of Grievances said at least 57 people had been arrested.

Centre-right Rodrigo Paz won the presidency last year, bringing an end to two decades of socialist rule. Paz pledged to put an end to the worst economic crisis in Bolivia in four decades, which is particularly evident in a severe shortage of foreign currencies and fuel.

Rising food prices

Paz canceled a government fuel subsidy that had been in effect for two decades, but which was depleting the dollar reserves of the public treasury. Paz is facing pressure from all sides, with roads leading to the city remaining closed for two weeks, and the prices of some food items rising to record levels.

In addition to increasing wages, the protesters are demanding economic stability, an end to the privatization of state-owned companies, and the resignation of the president.

Presidential spokesman Jose Luis Galvez said that the operation carried out on Saturday was aimed at opening a humanitarian corridor so that food, medicine and oxygen can be delivered to hospitals in La Paz. He pointed to the death of three people in recent days because they were unable to reach hospitals.

The government administration of highways reported cutting tracks in at least 22 locations.

On Friday, the government reached an agreement with the miners who were on strike to obtain larger quantities of fuel and explosives necessary for their work, in addition to expanding the scope of the areas in which they can work.

Paz’s office did not issue details related to the agreement.
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