The political and social crisis that has been shaking Bolivia for 15 days escalated on Wednesday into a regional diplomatic confrontation, with the government of Rodrigo Paz expelling the Colombian ambassador to La Paz, Elizabeth García, denouncing before the Organization of American States an attempt at “institutional destabilization,” and receiving public backing from the United States and from several governments in the region. The decision was taken after Colombian President Gustavo Petro described the protests as a “popular insurrection” and said that in Bolivia “there is a people in the streets being killed,” statements considered “interfering” by La Paz.

Bolivia atraviesa una escalada de protestas lideradas por sectores sindicales, campesinos y vecinales

Gustavo Petro calificó de “insurrección popular” la crisis política en Bolivia y ofreció apoyo para buscar una salida pacífica ante las protestas contra Rodrigo Paz.