The Bolivian Workers’ Central (COB) reaffirmed on Thursday its indefinite and phased general strike across the country, with unions holding daily demonstrations in La Paz, in rejection of Supreme Decree 5503 issued by the government of Rodrigo Paz due to its negative impact on the economy and the population.
Mario Argollo, executive secretary of the COB, stated that the organization maintains a firm stance in denouncing the government measures. They denounce that the government initiative, which eliminates fuel subsidies, shifts the burden of the adjustment onto the working class and lower-income sectors.
“We have decided to continue the mobilization despite the holidays. Our position is firm, and we will further disseminate information about this decree so that citizens can understand it. There will be marches in different departments of the country, so the mobilization will be nationwide,” Argollo stated.
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Since Monday, various unions, primarily from the mining sector, have been holding continuous demonstrations in La Paz, the seat of the Bolivian government. These unions will remain in the city, maintaining their protests “despite the end-of-year holidays,” Argollo emphasized, highlighting the determination of those mobilized.
Last Tuesday, the Bolivian government ordered the repression of a union demonstration around Plaza Murillo, and uniformed officers used tear gas to disperse the protesters.
En Bolivia se realizaron protestas contra el aumento del precio de la gasolina, conocido como “gasolinazo”. Diversos sectores sociales salieron a las calles para expresar su rechazo a la medida, señalando que afecta directamente la economía de la población. pic.twitter.com/N5B5fdwD00
— teleSUR TV (@teleSURtv) December 25, 2025
Supreme Decree 5503 is the central issue in the conflict, implemented by the government of Rodrigo Paz under the pretext of addressing the fiscal crisis. It includes reductions in fuel subsidies and other adjustments that directly impact the cost of transportation and the basic food basket.
Union and community groups denounce that the decree shifts the burden of economic adjustment onto the working class and lower-income sectors, inevitably leading to an increase in the cost of living and a consequent loss of purchasing power. Furthermore, various social organizations warn that the decree lacks effective protection or compensation mechanisms for the most vulnerable sectors of society, which foreshadows a deepening of social inequalities in the country.
The COB (Bolivian Workers’ Center) has resolved not only to continue with nationwide mobilizations but also to disseminate information about the scope of this decree. Delegates from multiple departments have arrived in La Paz, and marches are being planned in other regions, thus ensuring a nationwide mobilization so that all citizens understand the substance and impact of this government measure.
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