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Bolivian Vice President Backs Protests, Denounces President Over Fuel-Price Decree

His break with Rodrigo Paz injects a new rift into a crisis triggered by the end of fuel subsidies.

Overview

  • Edmand Lara urged unions not to relent and labeled the decree ending fuel subsidies a measure of hunger and despair in a TikTok video.
  • The Chambers of Deputies and Senators demanded a retraction from Lara and warned of possible criminal proceedings.
  • COB-led marches continued in La Paz, with state miners on an indefinite strike as transporters, merchants, and cooperative miners paused actions after sector deals.
  • Talks between COB leaders and President Rodrigo Paz produced no agreement, as the union conditioned dialogue on repealing Decree 5503.
  • Decree 5503 lifted two-decade subsidies, raising gasoline by 86% and diesel by 162%, while the government touts a higher minimum wage, expanded bonuses, reduced smuggling, and daily savings of about $10 million.