Bolivia faces a day of intense political tension, blockades, and events of national impact
Bolivia is experiencing moments of great political and social tension. President Rodrigo Paz repealed Law 1720 in an attempt to calm the protests, but the country ended the day with 21 active blockade points, mainly in the department of La Paz. Unfortunately, these conflicts have already caused two deaths attributed to the road disruptions, keeping the country in a state of constant alert.
Given this situation, presidential spokesperson José Luis Gálvez reported that the government cannot guarantee the normal supply of fuel due to the road blockades. Gálvez was also emphatic in asserting that President Paz has not considered resigning from his post at any time, despite growing pressure from various social sectors and the lack of basic supplies in some cities.
Political reactions have been diverse and forceful. The leadership of the Bolivian Workers' Center (COB) has radicalized its stance and formally requested the president's resignation. On the other hand, Luisa Nayar, president of the Santa Cruz Municipal Council, harshly criticized the pressure measures, stating that Bolivian citizens cannot continue to be "hostages" of groups she considers undemocratic and linked to Evo Morales.
Violence has also reached the courts and the streets during the protests. In El Alto, the La Paz Prosecutor's Office initiated an investigation against five people accused of damaging a police patrol car at a blockade point. At the same time, in a climate of clashes between the police and mining workers, the Ministry of Mining swore in Carlos Lizandro Ergueta Hidalgo as the new Vice Minister of Technological Minerals.
In the area of public safety, a violent event has shocked the department of Pando. Bolivian authorities are coordinating actions with the Brazilian police to investigate the brutal murder of two young Brazilians. The autopsy revealed the cruelty of the attack, and law enforcement forces are seeking to clarify the motives behind this crime that has shattered the peace of the border area.
In the international landscape, the United States Central Command reported on its operations in the Strait of Hormuz. Due to the blockade related to Iran, U.S. forces have diverted 67 commercial vessels and immobilized four others. Despite a truce with Tehran, authorities confirmed that naval operations and warning shots continue to protect maritime trade.
Finally, the day left other notable news in events and sports. In Beni, a pilot managed to perform a successful forced landing after a critical landing gear failure, saving the aircraft's occupants. In football, Oriente Petrolero and Guabirá tied 2-2 in an exciting match at the Tahuichi stadium, where the local team let the victory slip away in the final minutes of the game.