Washington Pledges Support for Bolivian President Rodrigo Paz Amid Protests

Washington has declared its backing for Bolivian President Rodrigo Paz, who is currently facing widespread popular protests. The U.S. has offered emergency assistance while cautioning against any efforts to topple the government.

According to reports from Agence France-Presse, Paz is contending with massive demonstrations across Bolivia alongside growing calls for his resignation.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, during a phone conversation with Paz, stated that Washington is intensifying efforts to provide emergency aid and logistical support to Bolivians suffering from severe shortages of food and medicine caused by road blockades, as confirmed by a spokesperson for the U.S. State Department.

Simultaneously, U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth condemned attempts to overthrow Paz’s legitimate government. Hegseth, writing on the platform X, said, "The United States is monitoring the situation," and pledged continued support for Paz to deter drug traffickers and terrorists from profiting from death and destruction in the region.

Rodrigo Paz, a conservative and business supporter, assumed office approximately seven months ago following historic elections that ended two decades of hard-left rule.

Upon taking office, Paz swiftly restored severed relations with the United States and implemented broad economic reforms, including reducing fuel subsidies that had heavily burdened public finances. However, these measures triggered angry reactions nationwide.

Facing demands to step down, Paz announced he had prepared legislation authorizing the military to suppress protests and restore public order.

On Wednesday in La Paz, thousands of Bolivians lined up for hours to purchase chicken, a clear indication of the extent to which families are suffering from food shortages exacerbated by the ongoing protests.

La Paz has once again erupted as pressure mounts to force Bolivian President Rodrigo Paz to resign.