Protesters block an avenue in El Alto, Bolivia, on Sunday. Photo by Gabriel Marquez/EPA
May 18 (UPI) -- The United States expressed support for Bolivian President Rodrigo Paz as the country entered a third consecutive week of protests, road blockades and political tensions that have caused food, medicine and fuel shortages in several regions.
In a statement published on X, the State Department's Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs strongly criticized what it described as actions aimed at destabilizing Bolivia's democratically elected government.
"We condemn all actions aimed at destabilizing the democratically elected government of Rodrigo Paz Pereira," the office said.
In Bolivia, riots and blockades have created a humanitarian crisis, causing shortages of medicine, food and fuel. We condemn all actions aimed at destabilizing the democratically elected government of @Rodrigo_PazP and support it in its efforts to restore order for the peace,...— Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs (@WHAAsstSecty) May 17, 2026
