Thousands of people want the President to resign in La Paz, Bolivia Objections

Anti-government protests have intensified in Bolivia, with thousands of people calling for the resignation of centrist President Rodrigo Paz as roads are blocked in the capital La Paz, with food, fuel and medicine running out.

On Monday, farmers, miners, teachers, civil servants and indigenous people gathered in the city after weeks of talks over wage increases, economic instability and the relocation of state-owned companies.

Bolivia is facing its worst economic crisis in 40 years, with annual inflation reaching 14 percent in April, eroding purchasing power and fueling anger over rising commodity prices.

“We want him to resign because he doesn’t know. Bolivia is facing chaos,” said 60-year-old farmer Ivan Alarcon, who traveled 90 kilometers from Caquiaviri in western Bolivia to join the protests.

Tear gas blanketed the center of La Paz for hours as riot police tried to reach the main square lined with government buildings.

Protesters threw stones and grenades in response. Officials did not release any casualties, but the AFP news agency reported that at least two protesters were injured.

Footage released by the government showed protesters entering the office and carrying chairs, computers and other equipment.

Unitel television reported that more than 100 people are in prison across the country.

Paz, who took office less than six months ago after 20 years of socialist rule, has moved quickly to end long-standing oil subsidies that officials say have drained Bolivia’s finances.

The proposal has so far failed to calm the oil industry and has instead fueled public anger over rising prices and fuel shortages.