Explosions heard as mining groups stage antigovernment protest in Bolivia

Protesters have demanded the resignation of President Rodrigo Paz, who was elected on a platform of economic reform.Demonstrators, led by Mining groups and Rural unions, have clashed with Law enforcement in Bolivia as tensions simmer over the country’s economic crisis, the worst in decades.On Thursday, small explosions were heard in the midst of the protest in La Paz, credited to miners setting off small sticks of dynamite. Some protesters were reported as attempting to breach the presidential palace.Recommended Stories list of 3 itemslist 1 of 3Protests in Bolivia escalate amid economic turmoil and policy demandslist 2 of 3Roads blocked in Bolivia as protesters demand president’s resignationlist 3 of 3Bolivia issues warrant for Evo Morales’s arrest after court no-showend of listThe unrest follows weeks of road blockades, as miners, Farmers, Teachers and Rural workers express frustration over the country’s ongoing economic turmoil.Bolivia used to be a major exporter of natural gas, but in recent years, its reserves began to shrivel, and its production has plummeted. Now, rather than being a fuel exporter, it has become a net importer, reliant on oil and natural gas from abroad.The collapse of the natural gas industry has been coupled with dwindling supplies of foreign currency in the country. The result has been soaring inflation, supply shortages and higher prices.Bolivians have experienced long lines for fuel, and hospitals have reported a lack of basic supplies like oxygen and medication.Demonstrators from mining unions take part in a protest against President Rodrigo Paz’s government in La Paz, Bolivia, on May 14 [Claudia Morales/Reuters]Centre-right leader Rodrigo Paz was elected in October last year in part on a promise to address the economic tailspin.His victory marked a political sea change in Bolivia. For much of the past two decades, except for a brief period in 2019, the country has been governed by the Movement Towards Socialism (MAS).