The conservative, pro-U.S.government of President Rogrigo Paz is being challenged in the streets by radical elements led by a former socialist president recently forcing the new Bolivian government to introduce a state of emergency.The landlocked mineral-rich nation is facing one of its deepest political crises in decades as economic turmoil, nationwide protests and a battle over the country’s future threaten to reshape the balance of power in South America.The unrest comes after years of political divisions following the tenure of socialist President Evo Morales, whose Movement Toward Socialism (MAS) dominated Bolivian politics for nearly two decades.
Internal fractures, economic decline and public frustration have weakened the movement and opened a new chapter of uncertainty.US, SHIELD OF THE AMERICAS CONDEMN 'ONGOING EFFORTS' TO OVERTHROW BOLIVIA'S ELECTED PRESIDENT AMID UNRESTBolivia's President Rodrigo Paz delivers a speech in La Paz on June 3, 2026, after naming Ernesto Justiniano as defense minister following the resignation of Marcelo Salinas amid protests.(Claudia Morales/Reuters)The Trump administration recently signaled strong backing for the Paz government while condemning efforts to destabilize the country.Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the United States "Will not allow criminals and drug traffickers to overthrow democratically elected leaders in our hemisphere" and reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to Bolivia’s "stability, security, and a better future for all Bolivians."Speaking on background, a State Department spokesperson told Fox News Digital that, "The United States strongly supports President Rodrigo Paz's decision on June 20 to declare a State of Exception to restore order and ensure the free flow of food, medicine, and essential supplies to the Bolivian people.
We are glad that the blockades in Bolivia have ended and the government has restored order."Bolivia’s crisis has been driven by Morales and his supporters furious at...