Bolivian Miners Use Dynamite in Protest, Attempt to Storm Presidential Palace

TL;DR: Miners detonated small dynamite sticks during a La Paz protest on Thursday, and some demonstrators tried to break into the presidential palace while the economy minister said the government is open to dialogue.

Bolivia’s worst economic crisis in decades has fueled weeks of road blockades and street protests led by miners, farmers and rural unions demanding President Rodrigo Paz’s resignation. Demonstrators have blamed the government for failing to revive the natural gas sector and for cutting fuel subsidies.

The crisis stems from a collapse in natural gas exports, dwindling foreign‑currency reserves, soaring inflation and shortages of fuel, medicine and oxygen. Hospitals have reported low stocks of essential supplies, and long lines form at gas stations across the country.

Paz, elected in October 2023 on a promise to reverse the downturn, has faced repeated calls to step down, echoing earlier pressure on his MAS predecessor. His administration has so far refused to resign, insisting that dialogue is the path forward.

On Thursday, miners set off small sticks of dynamite, creating small explosions heard amid the protest in La Paz. Witnesses said the blasts were loud enough to rattle nearby windows.

Some demonstrators were reported trying to breach the presidential palace grounds, prompting police to form a line and use tear gas to disperse the crowd.

Economy Minister Jose Gabriel Espinoza told reporters that his administration remains open to dialogue with the protesters, emphasizing that grievances over fuel subsidies and welfare benefits are on the table.

The use of explosives raises safety concerns and may prompt a stronger police response, potentially increasing the risk of injuries. Authorities have warned that any further use of incendiary devices could lead to arrests.

Attempts to approach the presidential palace signal heightened pressure on Paz’s administration, showing that protesters are willing to test the limits of security forces. Analysts note that such actions often precede negotiations or concessions.

The minister’s openness to talk suggests a possible avenue to de‑escalate, though officials have so far refused demands for the president’s resignation. Observers say the next days will test whether talk can translate into concrete policy changes.

Watch for any government concessions on fuel subsidies or agrarian reform, and whether protest groups will continue road blockades or shift to negotiations. A sustained dialogue could ease tensions, while a breakdown might trigger larger demonstrations.