Bolivia

The mobilization succeeded in putting the government of Rodrigo Paz on the ropes. For several weeks, large regions of the country came under the effective control of the social organizations maintaining the blockades, particularly the Tupac Katari Peasants’ Federation (La Paz Department), sectors of the CSUTCB (Single Trade Union Confederation of Bolivian Peasant Workers), and other indigenous and peasant organizations in the Altiplano, such as the Bartolina Sisa Women’s Confederation and the Ponchos Rojos. In effect, a dual power structure has existed in Bolivia for over a month. It was these organizations that decided which goods, food, fuel, or vehicles could travel along the country’s main routes and which would be held up at the roadblocks. This situation led to growing supply difficulties, fuel and food shortages, as well as a sharp rise in prices, especially in the cities of La Paz and El Alto, where the economic and political impact of the roadblocks was most intense. While the government retained formal control of state institutions, the mobilized organizations demonstrated a significant ability to influence the movement of goods and the functioning of the economy. The slogan “Out with Paz!” became the unifying force of a movement that brought together miners, peasants, indigenous peoples, teachers, factory workers, neighborhood associations, and broad sectors of the populace. However, despite the enormous willingness to fight demonstrated by the masses, the movement failed to achieve its main political objective: the fall of the government. Understanding the reasons for this situation is essential for preparing for the battles ahead.