Morales Calls for National Mobilization as Bolivia Faces Fuel Price Protests
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Bolivia is bracing for widespread protests after former President Evo Morales issued an ultimatum to the government of President rodrigo Paz, demanding a reversal of recently implemented fuel subsidy cuts. A national mobilization is planned to begin Monday if the government does not concede, escalating tensions over Decree 5503, issued on Wednesday, which dramatically increased fuel prices across Bolivia.
Special gasoline now costs 6.96 bolivianos (approximately $1 USD) per liter, while premium gasoline has risen to 11 bolivianos ($1.58 USD) and diesel to 9.80 bolivianos ($1.40 USD). These represent increases of 86% for gasoline and a staggering 162% for diesel, ending more than two decades of subsidized fuel costs.
The Paz management argues the subsidy was unsustainable, projecting a cost of $3.5 billion in 2026 – equivalent to 6.4% of Bolivia’s gross domestic product – if maintained. Minister of Public Works, Mauricio Zamora, characterized the move as “an emergency measure to guarantee supply, cut off the mafias and avoid a collapse of the economy,” urging transportation sectors to engage in dialog.
morales Mobilizes Support
Morales, who governed Bolivia from 2006 to 2019, has positioned himself as the leader of the opposition to the new measures. Speaking from his stronghold in the tropics of Cochabamba, where he has remained under the protection of supporters since late 2024 while facing allegations of aggravated human trafficking, Morales vowed to defend the “popular economy.”
“We have decided on Monday we are leaving each union 20% (of members) to Cochabamba (center) for a march,” Morales stated, adding, “Comrades, we can win this battle, we can stop, the whole town is angry.” He further criticized the current government, alleging that “millionaires don’t pay taxes and, of course, the poor continue to pay taxes.”
Sectors aligned with the former president are convening in Entre Ríos,Cochabamba,commemorating the ‘Day of the Democratic and Cultural revolution’ – the anniversary of his first electoral victory – and strategizing their response.
escalating Labor Action
The threat of national mobilization is already manifesting in regional strikes.Transport unions in La Paz and El Alto began protesting on Friday, demanding the withdrawal of the subsidy and warning of a nationwide protest starting Monday if the government remains firm. The Bolivian workers’ central (COB), the country’s largest union, has also announced an indefinite strike.
This isn’t the first time a Morales administration has faced backlash over fuel price increases. At the end of 2010, a similar attempt to raise fuel costs by 57% to 82% was met with widespread protests, forcing the government to reverse its decision. In recent months, morales himself had suggested a gradual lifting of the fuel subsidy was necessary.
Economic Context and government Response
The decision to end the fuel subsidy comes alongside other economic adjustments,including an increase in the minimum wage from 2,750 to 3,300 bolivianos ($395 to $474 USD),as well as increased benefits for students and seniors.
The Paz Executive maintains its position, asserting that reversing course would be financially untenable. The government has not yet responded directly to Morales’ ultimatum, but has indicated a willingness to discuss concerns thru dialogue.
The coming days will be critical in determining whether Bolivia can avoid a prolonged period of social unrest as the government and opposition remain locked in a tense standoff over the future of fuel subsidies and the nation’s economic direction.
