Bolivian protesters clashed with police in La Paz over the country’s economic slump on Wednesday, as members of a social movement known as the Red Ponchos (Ponchos Rojos) took to the streets to express their discontent.
The Red Ponchos, who are primarily indigenous Aymara farmers, marched towards the government palace in La Paz to demand better economic policies and support for the agricultural sector, which has been hit hard by the economic downturn. The protesters were met with resistance from police who tried to disperse them using tear gas and water cannons.
The clashes between protesters and police resulted in several injuries on both sides, with reports of arrests being made. The demonstrators chanted slogans against President Luis Arce’s government and called for more support for farmers and indigenous communities who have been disproportionately affected by the economic crisis.
Bolivia has faced economic challenges in recent years, worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic and political instability following the controversial resignation of former president Evo Morales in 2019. The country’s GDP contracted by 8.5% in 2020, the worst decline in decades.
The Red Ponchos have been vocal in their opposition to the government’s economic policies, which they believe have failed to address the needs of the country’s most vulnerable populations. The protest in La Paz is just the latest in a series of demonstrations by social movements and trade unions demanding change and accountability from the Arce administration.
As tensions continue to rise in Bolivia, it remains to be seen how the government will respond to the demands of the protesters and address the underlying issues contributing to the economic slump in the country.
Watch the video by The Times and The Sunday Times
Video “Bolivian protesters clash with police over economic slump” was uploaded on 09/03/2024 to Youtube Channel The Times and The Sunday Times