NewzVille International
Bolivian police used tear gas to disperse a march by the Central Obrera Boliviana (COB) after protesters tried to break through security cordons near Plaza Murillo, heightening tensions during a day of unrest in central La Paz.
The confrontation occurred near the La Paz municipal offices, where scuffles broke out between demonstrators and police officers.
The unrest followed the government’s rollback of subsidies that for more than two decades had kept domestic fuel prices far below international levels. The move has doubled gasoline prices and tripled diesel costs.
Earlier in the day, COB leaders withdrew from government-led dialogue over the decree, citing dissatisfaction with the lack of progress on their demands.
In response, the COB announced plans to launch a nationwide road blockade starting Tuesday to demand the repeal of the contested decree.
