Controversies as demonstrators allied with Morales march in Bolivia’s capital Political Affairs

The South American country is facing massive protests as the economic crisis is causing chaos against the government of President Paz.

Bolivia’s military has clashed with supporters of former President Evo Morales as they marched towards the capital as part of a military operation. a nationwide protest movement fueled by the country’s worst economic crisis in a generation.

After a six-day march through the Andes, thousands of Morales’ supporters, some carrying sticks and slings, arrived Monday in the capital, La Paz, where they were met by riot police.

A blast of dynamite went off in town. Security forces fired tear gas at the protesters calling for the president to step down just six months into his term. “Homeland or death, we will win!” he called.

The protests and roadblocks that began two weeks ago have been the most difficult so far for President Rodrigo Paz, Bolivia’s first successor after a two-decade rule, and have led to a national crisis.

Paz took office last year when a group of conservative leaders who supported the administration of President Donald Trump in the United States swept Latin America. Entering the country’s worst economic crisis in 40 years, Paz has struggled to restore Bolivia’s scarce oil reserves, curb its budget deficit and deal with the dwindling US dollar, while also putting in place powerful groups linked to Morales that could undermine his leadership.

In recent days, his government has dealt with striking miners and teachers, who have agreed to end their protests. However, many groups continue to protest.

Roadblocks have been a major weapon of groups allied with Morales who claim to represent Bolivia’s rural population. Over the past 16 days, these barricades have blocked thousands of vehicles on highways, causing shortages of food, fuel and medicine in La Paz and other cities.

The government sent police and soldiers across the country to try to break the fences over the weekend, which resulted in dozens of injuries and at least 90 arrests since Monday, according to the prosecutor.

“They can march if there is peace, but we will take action if they commit crimes,” Deputy Interior Minister Hernán Paredes said.

Paz accuses Morales of inciting riots to disrupt his administration, and the president has seen support from neighboring countries.

Eight Latin American governments, from Argentina to Panama, issued a joint statement last week rejecting “any attempt to undermine democracy”.

The US State Department added to the criticism on Sunday, saying it supports Paz’s efforts “to restore peace, security, and stability to the Bolivian people”.

At Paz’s request, neighboring Argentina announced that it would launch a humanitarian flight for one week to reduce the country’s shortage.

Morales made the most recent trip from his hideout to a remote part of Bolivia. For the past year and a half, he has been holed up in the mountains, evading an arrest warrant on charges of having sex with a 15-year-old girl.

Morales says the allegations are political.