AGP Executive Report

Bolivia Protest Crisis: Fresh clashes in La Paz turned violent again Friday as riot police fired tear gas and protesters hurled stones and dynamite, with unions and Indigenous groups pressing President Rodrigo Paz to resign amid fuel shortages, inflation, and a four-week general strike. Blockades & Supplies: The government says it will open “humanitarian corridors” Saturday in La Paz to move food, medicine, oxygen, and other goods past roadblocks, with the Red Cross and Catholic Church involved. Escalating Pressure: Businesses shut in anticipation of more street fighting, while Paz has promised a cabinet reshuffle and a new “economic and social council,” though protesters demand arrest warrants be withdrawn first. Diplomatic Fallout: Colombia and Bolivia traded expulsions of diplomats this week, blaming each other for interference as tensions between Petro and Paz deepen. Other Notables: La Paz tourism hit a milestone of over one million visitors; WHO members noted Argentina’s withdrawal letter.

Bolivia Crisis: Protests in Bolivia are now in their third week, with road blockades spreading beyond La Paz and reports of fuel, food, and medical shortages as miners, teachers, transport workers, and Indigenous groups press demands that increasingly include President Rodrigo Paz’s resignation. Diplomatic Fallout: Bolivia and Colombia escalated the fight by expelling each other’s ambassadors over what Bogotá calls “popular insurrection” and La Paz calls interference tied to Gustavo Petro. US-Iran Standoff: Iran says “no deal” will happen if the US demands an enriched-uranium handover, even as indirect talks continue and markets react to shifting optimism. Regional Watch: Brazil pushed the Paraguay River waterway concession auction to early 2027, citing more time for consultations with social movements. Tech/Privacy Fight (Arizona): Chandler delayed a vote on renewing contracts with Flock license-plate cameras after public backlash.

Bolivia Siege Deepens: Weeks of road blockades around La Paz have turned into a full crisis—protesters detonated small charges of dynamite, stormed public buildings, and blockades are now choking fuel, food, and even hospital oxygen supplies. US Warns of Coup Attempt: The State Department has described the unrest as an “attempted coup,” while President Rodrigo Paz faces mounting pressure from unions, miners, and rural groups demanding relief from shortages and the cost-of-living squeeze. Diplomatic Fallout: As protests intensify, Bolivia and Colombia escalated their feud by expelling each other’s ambassadors over claims of interference tied to Gustavo Petro’s comments. Cabinet Shake-Up: Paz has floated a more inclusive cabinet and an “economic and social council” to pull protesters into talks—while refusing to negotiate with looters. Regional Watch: Trinidad and Tobago and other partners urged calm and respect for Bolivia’s constitutional order.

Bolivia Crisis: Labor Minister Edgar Morales formally offered his resignation to calm the country as protests and road blockades keep choking La Paz and other cities, with shortages of food, fuel, and medicine and reports of deaths from blocked emergency access. Cabinet Shake-Up: President Rodrigo Paz says he’ll reshuffle his government and create an “economic and social council” to bring unions, farmers, miners, and indigenous groups into policy talks—while refusing to negotiate with looting and arson. Diplomatic Fallout: The unrest has spilled into a Colombia–Bolivia rupture: both countries expelled each other’s ambassadors after Gustavo Petro called the rallies a “popular insurrection,” prompting reciprocal expulsions in Bogota and La Paz. International Pressure: The U.S. backs Paz, warning against overthrow attempts, while Switzerland advises against travel to Bolivia amid tense, uncertain conditions.

Bolivia Crisis Hits Diplomatic Break: Anti-government protests in La Paz have turned into a full political standoff, with roadblocks choking supplies and prices spiking—so President Rodrigo Paz announced a cabinet reshuffle meant to “listen” to protesters and promised an economic and social council, while the government also expelled Colombia’s ambassador after Gustavo Petro called the unrest a “popular insurrection,” triggering a wider diplomatic clash as the U.S. backs Paz and warns of a coup attempt. Protest Pressure, Hardline Response: Paz rejected a state of emergency, but security forces have been reinforced and clashes have included looting and arson, with bishops urging “humanitarian pauses” as shortages and anger deepen. Regional Crime Push: Chile convened a “Secure Border” summit next week to coordinate action against organized crime with Peru, Bolivia, Argentina, and Ecuador. Trade Watch: Argentina opened bids for a 25-year Paraná-Paraguay waterway concession despite warnings of “serious irregularities.”

Bolivia Crisis Intensifies: President Rodrigo Paz has rejected an emergency rule as Morales-backed protests tighten their grip on La Paz, with violent clashes, road blockades, looting and shortages leaving the capital “under siege” and prompting fears of economic collapse; authorities report dozens of arrests and use of tear gas, while bishops are urging “humanitarian pauses” and dialogue. Coup Alarm & U.S. Pressure: Bolivia’s foreign minister says the unrest is a “coup attempt,” as the U.S. warns of an “ongoing coup d’état,” and Paz’s government keeps escalating security deployments. Diplomatic Fallout: Bolivia has expelled Colombia’s ambassador after Gustavo Petro called the unrest a “popular insurrection,” ratcheting tensions between La Paz and Bogotá; Evo Morales publicly thanked Petro and Zelaya for mediation offers. Regional Security Move: Chile invited Peru, Bolivia, Argentina and Ecuador to a May 28 “Secure Border” summit to coordinate action against organized crime. Other Notables: Accion marked 65 years of inclusive finance work in Bolivia, and Conmebol reinstated Santa Cruz as the venue for Blooming’s South American Cup match after security guarantees.

Bolivia Crisis Boils Over in La Paz: Thousands of protesters flooded La Paz again, with road blockades and clashes escalating into a near-siege of the presidential core. Police Crackdown: Tear gas was used to stop marches toward Plaza Murillo, while authorities reported 127+ arrests and warned of “tough and strict measures,” ruling out a state of emergency even as shortages hit food, fuel, and hospital oxygen. Economic Anger at the Center: The unrest is driven by the cost-of-living squeeze after fuel subsidy cuts, plus demands tied to wages, gasoline access, and miners’ contract and site access. Political Pressure on Paz: Supporters of former President Evo Morales joined multiple sectors demanding Rodrigo Paz’s resignation, and prosecutors moved to charge union leaders with terrorism-related offenses. Regional Tension: Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro’s comments about a “popular uprising” drew sharp rejection from Paz, adding diplomatic friction to an already volatile standoff.

Bolivia Crisis Escalates: La Paz is effectively under siege again as anti-government protesters and police trade tear gas and explosives, with blockades choking fuel, food, and hospital oxygen and reports of deaths after ambulances can’t reach care. Labor vs. Government: The unrest is driven by miners, COB unions, peasants, teachers, and Indigenous groups demanding wage relief, fuel stability, and an end to privatization—while Paz faces mounting calls for resignation less than six months into office. Diplomatic/Foreign Pressure Claims: Former President Evo Morales alleges a U.S.-backed plan to detain or kill him, while the government and church leaders push for “humanitarian pauses” and dialogue. Regional Context: The wider Latin America political shift toward pro-U.S., pro-Israel right-wing governments is now being tested by Colombia’s May 31 vote. Other Notables: Scotland named its World Cup squad for 28 years—featuring Ross Stewart’s return—and the UK Foreign Office updated travel advice for Bolivia and others.

Bolivia Crisis Escalates: Anti-government protesters surged into La Paz again Monday, clashing with riot police as tear gas filled the air and demonstrators hurled stones and explosives, while blockades across the country keep squeezing food, fuel, and medical access. Humanitarian Pressure: Bolivia’s Catholic bishops urged “humanitarian pauses” and dialogue, warning that ambulances can’t reach patients and blaming the unrest for deaths. Political Fallout: The government says the march tied to Evo Morales includes “armed groups,” and prosecutors have moved against labor leaders, as inflation hits 14% and wages and austerity remain central demands. External Signals: The U.S. backed President Rodrigo Paz, while regional governments called for no destabilization of Bolivia’s democratic order. Other Notable Ripples: Cuba’s Díaz-Canel warned of “bloodbath” consequences after reports of a growing drone arsenal with Russia and Iran.

Bolivia Crisis Escalates in La Paz: About 10,000 pro-Evo and coca-grower marchers entered La Paz after a six-day walk, as the government warned of “armed groups” and said some participants brandished weapons, while the Catholic bishops urged “humanitarian pauses” and dialogue after blockades cut off food, fuel, and ambulance access. Regional Pressure Mounts: Mercosur and other Latin American governments expressed concern and backed President Rodrigo Paz, as unrest continues amid shortages and clashes. Colorado River Flashback: In the U.S., Arizona and other basin states are again fighting over Colorado River management after talks broke down—echoing the “Parker Dam War” nearly a century ago. California Election Money Politics: Tech-linked donors backing Matt Mahan for governor are drawing fresh scrutiny, with critics arguing Big Tech influence is driving his agenda. Cuba-U.S. Drone Tensions: A classified report claims Cuba has hundreds of military drones and could target U.S. sites, raising fears of a U.S. pretext for action.

Bolivia Crisis Boils Over: Security forces moved to clear road blockades around La Paz with a major operation using tear gas, deploying about 3,500 soldiers and police; authorities say 57 people were detained, while protesters report deaths tied to blocked access to hospitals. The unrest is being driven by a deep economic crunch—fuel shortages, inflation, and collapsing foreign-currency reserves—after years of natural-gas decline. Regional Diplomacy & Humanitarian Airlift: As blockades choke supplies, Bolivia says it’s running an airlift for food and medical goods, and President Rodrigo Paz publicly thanked Argentina’s Javier Milei for sending C-130 Hercules planes to support relief. Taiwan Arms Tensions: Taiwan’s president defended continued U.S. arms purchases as the island’s key deterrent after Trump raised doubts about future support. Defense Spending Watch: SIPRI reports Brazil leads South America’s military spending, with Uruguay showing one of the steepest relative jumps. Sports Noise: Liga MX and European leagues delivered late drama, including Sevilla falling 0-1 to Real Madrid and Inter Milan drawing 1-1 with Hellas Verona in stoppage time.

Bolivia Crisis Escalates: Security forces moved to break La Paz road blockades with a large “humanitarian corridor” operation, deploying about 3,500 troops and police; clashes turned violent with tear gas, rocks and Molotovs, leaving at least 57 detained and reports of deaths tied to blocked access to hospitals. Protest Pressure: The unrest has been fueled by fuel shortages, inflation and wage demands, with roads still blocked in many places even after a government-miners deal. Regional Ripples: Neighboring countries publicly backed President Rodrigo Paz while rejecting violence aimed at destabilizing the democratic order. Taiwan Arms Row: Taiwan’s president defended continued U.S. arms purchases after Trump questioned support, calling them the key deterrent amid regional instability. Defense Spending Watch: SIPRI reports Brazil leads South America’s military spending, with Uruguay’s relative rise among the steepest. Tech and Ethics: The Vatican says Pope Leo XIV has created an internal AI study group ahead of his first encyclical.

Bolivia Roadblock Crackdown: Bolivia launched an early-morning operation to clear roads into La Paz after 11 days of protests, with police and soldiers using tear gas and arresting at least 57 people as blockades disrupted food, medicine, and oxygen deliveries. Wage + Fuel Demands: Protesters—miners, schoolteachers, Indigenous groups, and unions—are pushing for wage increases, fuel and work equipment, an end to privatization, and President Rodrigo Paz’s resignation, even after a Friday deal with miners. Wider Unrest: The government says roads remain blocked in dozens of places, while emergency flights have been used to bypass the shutdown. Evo Morales Legal Pressure: Prosecutors are seeking Morales’s arrest over alleged crimes tied to a minor, renewing political tensions around the former president. Vatican Tech Ethics: Pope Leo XIV created an internal AI study group as he prepares his first encyclical, signaling a focus on ethics, human dignity, and peace.

Bolivia Unrest, Again: After a government deal with miners, blockades and clashes still choke access to La Paz, with tear gas, stones, and reports of dynamite as unions and rural groups demand President Rodrigo Paz’s resignation amid fuel shortages and a deepening economic crisis. Indigenous Land Fight: In a major win, Indigenous and rural organizations forced the repeal of Bolivia’s Law 1720, which critics said would have enabled land privatization and dispossession through “rural credit.” Regional Pressure on Paz: Paz publicly thanked Argentina’s Milei for sending two C-130 Hercules planes to help airlift food to blockade-hit La Paz and El Alto—support that underscores how fast the crisis is escalating. Arizona Water Court: In the U.S., a judge refused to pause Arizona AG Kris Mayes’ groundwater lawsuit against Fondomonte, saying state studies can’t cover the damages and “abatement fund” Mayes is seeking. World Cup Momentum: FIFA World Cup 2026 qualification stories and squad announcements keep the spotlight on the race to the finals.

Bolivia Crisis: President Rodrigo Paz thanked Argentina’s Javier Milei for sending two C-130 Hercules planes to airlift food and basic goods into La Paz and El Alto, where road blockades have dragged on for 10 straight days and shortages are biting hardest. Strike Pressure: The general strike is now in its 12th day, with workers’ and peasant groups renewing calls for Paz’s resignation after failed talks over a long list of demands. Street Clashes: In La Paz, miners and other protesters have kept up confrontations with police, including reports of tear gas and small explosions during attempts to push toward Plaza Murillo. Fuel Anger: Protesters point to fuel-price spikes and broader economic collapse—dollar shortages, higher costs, and falling energy output—as the spark that keeps the pressure rising. Regional Ripples: The unrest is also disrupting travel, with foreign advisories warning Britons to avoid routes and stay put if trapped by blockades.

Bolivia Crisis Boils Over: The Bolivian government says it has reached a deal with thousands of protesting miners after clashes in La Paz that included tear gas and reports of dynamite during attempts to breach the presidential palace and Plaza Murillo. The unrest has been fueled by a worsening economic squeeze—fuel shortages, dollar scarcity, and falling energy production—while miners and rural unions demand fuel, work equipment, and changes to mining rules, with some protesters openly calling for President Rodrigo Paz’s resignation. Regional Labor Pressure: In Chile, Venezuelans are leaving the labor market in large numbers, with analysts linking the drop to tougher immigration policies and Venezuela’s own political and economic turmoil. Geopolitics & Money: Latin America’s growing use of the euro in international debt signals rising discomfort with U.S. policy uncertainty. Security & Crime Policy: The U.S. is weighing a counterterrorism-style push that could expand Foreign Terrorist Organization designations to major Brazilian criminal groups, raising stakes for businesses operating in Brazil.