The United States government stated on Tuesday that protests against President Rodrigo Paz Pereira amount to an ongoing coup attempt. Demonstrations have entered their second week with roadblocks and clashes in La Paz.
Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau said in Washington that the acts represent a coup financed by an alliance between politics and organized crime. Four people have died since the protests began, according to Bolivian authorities.
President Paz Pereira, six months into office, faced the greatest challenge of his term after ending fuel subsidies. The move caused persistent shortages and an adulterated fuel scandal that the government blamed on sabotage by former MAS members.
In parallel, Bolivia expelled Colombian ambassador Elizabeth García after criticism from President Gustavo Petro, who called Paz a United States puppet. Petro responded that the country is sliding into extremism.
Former president Evo Morales, accused of crimes including a relationship with a minor in 2006, remains in the Chapare region where supporters block his arrest. The government accuses Morales of encouraging the protests to avoid justice.
