What do Bolivia’s escalating protests reveal about the country’s political crisis?

On 19 May, demonstrators clashed with law enforcement officers in the streets of Bolivia’s capital, La Paz amid a wave of demonstrations that has unfolded in recent weeks. The latest unrest was prompted by a land reform law, but reflects deeper discontent with President Rodrigo Paz, who took office in November 2025. Bolivia is facing its worst economic crisis in four decades, and anger is growing over what demonstrators see as the Paz government’s slow response.  

Sandra Pellegrini, Latin America & the Caribbean Senior Analyst at ACLED, said:  

“As Bolivia enters another week of anti-government demonstrations, there is no sign that unrest will ease soon. The government has ordered security forces to clear roadblocks, while last week demonstrators used dynamite in clashes with police. As of May 18th, ACLED has recorded around 180 demonstration events in May. If trends continue, demonstrations could surpass January’s levels, when the removal of fuel subsidies drove one of the highest monthly totals ACLED has recorded in Bolivia since coverage began in 2018. 

“The movement has also broadened, increasing the risk of further escalation.  Initially led by Indigenous and peasant organizations, the movement now includes the Bolivian Workers’ Center trade union (COB), transport workers, miners, teachers, and supporters of former left-wing President Evo Morales. The government has accused former President Morales of inciting the unrest, but this is only a partial explanation. The demonstrations have reflected wider grievances over fuel shortages, rising living costs, and Paz’s reform agenda.

“President Rodrigo Paz is currently facing a polarized and fragmented political landscape, offering no easy way out of the crisis. He has attempted to negotiate separately with different sectors, but this may not be enough to demobilize the movement: demands have grown increasingly diffuse. He has also had disagreements with Vice President Edmand Lara over how to respond to the demonstrations, which have further weakened his position.”