In Bolivia, the name of President Rodrigo Paz, which means “peace,” resonates ironically with the current unrest in the country. The capital, La Paz, also echoes this sentiment, yet Bolivia is engulfed in turmoil.
Rodrigo Paz was elected in October 2025, promising to alleviate the severe economic crisis plaguing Bolivia—its worst in decades. However, just weeks into his presidency, Paz finds himself in hot water. Widespread protests have erupted, resulting in general strikes, road blockades across the nation, and violent confrontations that stagnate the already struggling economy.
At the heart of these protests lies the controversial “Marinkovic Law” (Law 1720), aimed at overhauling land rights by facilitating the transformation of small plots into medium-sized properties. This shift threatens to enable large landowners to seize small holdings from campesinos, a move that has understandably evoked strong opposition from rural communities.
Recent days have seen escalating tensions, with demonstrators—led by mining unions, neighborhood councils, and indigenous organizations—clashing with law enforcement. According to Jacobin, protesters have marched for over twenty days, traversing harsh terrains to reach La Paz, all united in their demand for Paz’s resignation:
Marching for over twenty days from the tropics into freezing high-altitude terrain, many wearing nothing more substantial on their feet than plastic sandals, land workers and indigenous representatives arrived in the capital of La Paz this week to defend their territories…
The marchers are from the northern Amazonian regions of Beni and Pando, protesting against Law 1720, which could threaten the plurinational model of land distribution that protects indigenous and peasant holdings.
The journey has been arduous, with many marchers suffering from dehydration and exhaustion; at least fifty indigenous marchers from the Central of Ethnic Mojeño Peoples of Beni (CPMB) required medical attention last week…
Law 1720 epitomizes a long-standing trend in Bolivia, leading to greater land inequalities favoring large agribusiness. While it claims to assist small-scale farmers by allowing them to upgrade their holdings to “medium-sized” businesses that can secure mortgages, it, in truth, paves the way for corporate encroachment on community territories.
Some images from La Paz over the last few days, including this compelling photo…
may all of moral humanity adopt these vibes. this is how we win. this is how the Epstein class ruling our lives crawl back under their rocks and get crushed by the weight of our march for truth, universal dignity, and indigenous symbiotic ways of life. pic.twitter.com/PkssutBqLJ
— susan abulhawa | سوزان ابو الهوى (@susanabulhawa) May 19, 2026
The Bolivian people—an example to lead—continue protesting, demanding the resignation of Rodrigo Paz.
They also demand that transnational corporations withdraw from Bolivia, urging they won’t allow the privatization of the country’s natural resources. pic.twitter.com/51uSu2JCkR
— Fiorella Isabel (@FiorellaIsabelM) May 18, 2026
Footage of rural teachers marching in La Paz…
Maestros rurales marchan masivamente por el centro de La Paz, Bolivia, en el día 15 de la huelga de la Central Obrera. La movilización busca presionar por sus demandas en el marco de este prolongado conflicto laboral. pic.twitter.com/5D3Fv0s53S
— teleSUR TV (@teleSURtv) May 18, 2026
In an alarming turn of events, both the US and Israel have issued strikingly similar statements condemning the protests. This isn’t surprising for those keeping up with regional developments. Eight countries in Latin America—aligned with the US—have collectively expressed their concerns regarding the humanitarian situation in Bolivia.
As previously reported, the sweeping influence of Washington and Israel over Latin America is expanding through alliances with far-right governments, aiming to consolidate power in the region. Notably, one of Rodrigo Paz’s first executive acts was to withdraw Bolivia from the Hague Group, which was established in early 2025 to coordinate legal and diplomatic efforts against Israel. Bolivia had played a foundational role in this group.
The US and Israel have released strikingly similar statements on Bolivia
It’s almost like they’re one single consolidated regime mobilized in defense of global oligarchy and against indigenous resistance pic.twitter.com/daVG2g1Hva
— Max Blumenthal (@MaxBlumenthal) May 18, 2026
Reports from Middle East Eye indicate that US interventions in Latin America—including political pressure—are increasingly turning the region towards alignment with Israel. The recent Hondurasgate scandal highlights the extent to which Washington and Tel Aviv will go to maintain their influence, particularly over vital resources.
Central to the ongoing turmoil is the involvement of several actors:
- Ahead of the 2025 election in Honduras, Trump pardoned Juan Orlando Hernández, who was serving a long sentence in the US.
- Hernández approved using public funds to undermine left-leaning governments across Latin America, even advocating for violence.
- Strategies for destabilization have been intricately linked to funding from Honduras’ public coffers, Javier Milei’s network, and Israeli interests.
- The hypothesis is to systematically convert Latin American states into US-Israeli dependencies through a combination of financial, military, and informational means.
- The scandal has triggered a barrage of cyberattacks, indicating the sensitive nature of this situation.
Concerns Over Violence
Historically, US-supported crackdowns on indigenous resistance movements in Latin America have often resulted in mass casualties; recent events in Peru serve as a grim reminder of this trend.
There are unconfirmed reports that the Bolivian police have received directives to use live ammunition against protesters.
Our sources within the Bolivian police have confirmed that they’ve received orders to use live ammunition against the indigenous long march that is arriving today in the capital.
Protesters are aware and heading down regardless, to defend the country and its natural resources. pic.twitter.com/8NN2x22gfr
— Ollie Vargas (@Ollie_Vargas_) May 18, 2026
#URGENTE‼️‼️ Se agrava la situación en #Bolivia, el gobiernod de Rodrigo Paz a Ordenado disparar a mansalva los manifestantes, esto es la muestra que al imperio no le importa asesinar a los hemanos Bolivianos.
No dejemos de compartir por que el mundo debe pronucniarse al… pic.twitter.com/GSoATkHpx8
— Valy 🎩🎭 (@liderfiscal) May 19, 2026
As of late Monday, Bolivia’s Government Palace was heavily guarded, with police and military forces present. Meanwhile, barricades aimed at stalling the economy are intensifying, especially in key economic regions like Santa Cruz and Potosí, which have joined the ongoing general strike.
Simultaneously, right-wing influencers are calling for foreign intervention, potentially from the US. Allegations suggest that Argentina’s Milei government sent tear gas and crowd control equipment to assist Paz’s administration, reminiscent of past US-backed interventions.
Eric Prince, founder of Blackwater, has advocated for US intervention, framing the unrest as a violent takeover by “narco-communist terrorists” supporting Evo Morales, Bolivia’s former president.
Underlying Economic Challenges
Beyond Law 1720, various grievances fuel the protests. These include fuel shortages, the elimination of fuel subsidies, the controversial sale of detrimental gasoline, a critical dollar shortage, increasing living costs, and the ongoing US-led war on drugs.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has returned, working on terms for a loan—the first in five years—raising alarm about the potential for revived privatizations of public services and national assets, especially Bolivia’s vast strategic resources, including lithium and natural gas.
🚨CONFIRMED: Bolivia’s government is moving toward privatization.
Evo Morales says Argentine strategist Fernando Cerimedo — sent by Javier Milei — reportedly admitted it openly.
Bolivia’s lithium and state assets are being handed to transnational corporations and oligarchs. https://t.co/R5KwQkroRf
— Fiorella Isabel (@FiorellaIsabelM) May 18, 2026
While many of Bolivia’s economic issues stem from past administrations, including the removal of fuel subsidies, conditions have sharply deteriorated under Paz. The IMF predicts a GDP contraction of over 3% this year, with rising prices severely impacting workers’ already low wages. The abrupt removal of public subsidies has led to skyrocketing costs, with diesel prices escalating by up to 160%.
Concerns persist that Paz’s government may seek to privatize vital industries, including natural gas and lithium. Notably, one of his first actions was the dissolution of the Ministry of Environment and Water, stirring trepidation among critics.
As one mining leader expressed, the protesters remain united in their demand for the president’s resignation:
The sole demand of the mobilized people is the removal of the president due to his inability to solve this country’s structural problems. He is leading us adrift, giving away our natural resources, mortgaging the country for our children and grandchildren.
Another layer of complexity pertains to alleged US plans to capture former President Evo Morales, currently facing trial for accusations relating to a minor. Morales asserts that he is a victim of politically motivated prosecution aimed at discrediting him.
Following his refusal to attend court hearings, the prosecution issued an arrest warrant, leading Morales to purportedly take refuge in Cochabamba, guarded by loyal supporters. Morales recently tweeted:
“The U.S. ordered the government of Rodrigo Paz to execute a military operation, with the support of the DEA and the U.S. Southern Command, to detain or kill me.”
Transporting the alleged plan to capture Morales, named “Operation Tambaqui Lightning,” would reportedly involve a significant military presence, coordinated with the US DEA returning to Bolivia after a lengthy absence.
Patriotic factions within the police & military have kept us informed of all plans & movements. That’s how we got the documents confirming the joint operation with US armed forces to arrest Evo Morales. pic.twitter.com/tIUifnwv6K
— Ollie Vargas (@Ollie_Vargas_) May 18, 2026
While the authenticity of these allegations remains unverified, the US has recently orchestrated the abduction of senior political figures across Latin America. Just days ago, there were reports that the US plans to charge 94-year-old ex-Cuban leader Raúl Castro regarding a historic incident. Additionally, a recent betrayal from Venezuela’s interim president has sparked outrage among supporters of the Chavista movement.
The current circumstances have thrown South American nations into a state of heightened alert against potential US military interventions aimed at supporting right-wing governments in the area.
Morales has previously faced life-threatening situations, notably when his government was ousted by a US-backed coup in 2019. He managed to escape with assistance from Mexico’s President, yet later returned to a changed Bolivia.
In conclusion, the unrest in Bolivia highlights a critical clash between indigenous rights, economic inequality, and international influence. As the situation continues to unravel, it serves as a reminder of the complex interplay of local voices and global powers and their profound impact on the future of nations. The ongoing protests reflect deep-rooted grievances that demand attention and change, revealing the urgent need for dialogue and resolution in Bolivian society.
