Bolivian Defense Minister Marcelo Salinas Resigns Amid Protests

Marcelo Salinas, Bolivia's Defense Minister, stepped down on Tuesday following more than a month of ongoing protests calling for the ousting of President Rodrigo Paz, a government source confirmed to AFP.

Salinas's resignation marks a further indication of the severe political turmoil shaking the country, which has paralyzed several major cities and threatens the stability of Paz's administration.

Protesters, including workers, farmers, and teachers, are demanding urgent measures to address Bolivia's worst economic crisis in four decades.

In a notable warning, President Paz, who has backing from U.S. President Donald Trump, stated that the nation is on the brink of "collapse." Meanwhile, the government has not ruled out declaring a state of emergency or deploying the military to control the protests.

A source within the Defense Ministry, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed Salinas's resignation, saying, "Yes, this information is confirmed."

Official data revealed that approximately one hundred roads have been blocked across the country, nearly double the number reported two weeks earlier.

The road blockades have caused shortages of food, medicine, and fuel in La Paz, the neighboring city of El Alto, and other urban areas, leading to increased prices for essential goods.

The government accused protesters of attempting to "change the democratic system," pointing to former socialist President Evo Morales (2006–2019) as being behind the demonstrations.

Bolivian media reported that Ernesto Justiniano, who leads the country's anti-narcotics efforts, is expected to replace Salinas as Defense Minister.

Additionally, Bolivia's Congress has authorized the president to deploy the military against demonstrators.