Banks close branches in tense Bolivia, diplomats call for calm
Banks redirected customers to online services as protests and roadblocks disrupted transport and fuel supplies, with at least 32 blockades reported, officials said.
- On Tuesday, major banks including Banco Nacional and Banco Union shuttered branches in La Paz as escalating anti-government unrest disrupted operations. Workers stated operations would not resume until protests subsided.
- Growing demonstrations by unions and rural groups are pressing President Rodrigo Paz to roll back austerity measures amid rising living costs. Authorities blame allies of Evo Morales for fueling the blockades.
- At least 32 roadblocks reported on Tuesday have stranded trucks, causing critical shortages of food and fuel. Doctor Jorge Hinojosa stated, "Because of these conflicts, the patient couldn't get medical attention," as medical supplies remain inaccessible.
- U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau expressed alarm, writing: "Let there be no mistake: Those who lost overwhelmingly at the ballot box in Bolivia last year are trying to overthrow President Paz." Government officials labeled the groups as violent.
- Economist Gonzalo Chavez warns the unrest reflects structural strains, with Bolivia facing its worst economic crisis in a generation. Analysts link household pressure to global energy shocks linked to the Iran war, complicating fuel imports.
10 Articles
10 Articles
der Standard AT
der Standard DETrade unions, miners, transport workers and rural groups are opposed to austerity measures by President Rodrigo Paz
Banks in La Paz have temporarily closed branches. The US Foreign Minister speaks of a "putsch" in the face of the demonstrations in Bolivia.
The protest against Bolivian President Rodrigo Paz intensified on Monday in the capital, where police and demonstrators clashed violently in a city cut off from the rest of the country by roadblocks.
Some Bolivian banks announced this Tuesday, May 19, the closure of their branches in the center of the city of La Paz, due to the social protests that have been going on for two weeks and that yesterday led to looting, turmoil and violence in the businesses of that sector of the government headquarters.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 43% of the sources lean Right
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
