Bolivian Miners Clash with Police as Protests Demand President Paz's Resignation

Violent clashes erupted in La Paz, Bolivia, as thousands of miners marched against President Rodrigo Paz, demanding his resignation amid the nation's severe economic crisis. The protests, which began two weeks ago with farmers opposing a land mortgage law, have expanded to include teachers, transport workers, and indigenous groups citing wage disputes and fuel shortages. Despite President Paz annulling the controversial law and holding emergency talks with miner delegations, unrest has intensified. Demonstrators used dynamite and blockades, paralyzing the capital and causing critical shortages of food and medicine due to 67 highway blockades. Police responded with tear gas to control the violent confrontations. The economic downturn, driven by a US dollar shortage and declining energy production, has fueled widespread discontent just six months after Paz took office on promises of free-market reforms. The situation represents the worst social unrest in Bolivia in a generation, challenging the government's stability and ability to manage the deepening financial emergency.