Bolivia: Clashes In La Paz Between Morales Supporters And Police
By MISNA
Tension escalates in Bolivia on the fifth day of a police protest, who are demanding higher wages and pensions and better equipment. In La Paz, riot police who are refusing to patrol the streets and remain barricaded in barracks, clashed with supporters of President Evo Morales in two opposing rallies.
The police used tear gas to disperse demonstrators gathered on Plaza Murillo, who responded throwing stones and charging police. Despite the tension, the political scene doesn’t appear ready to intervene: after the failure of the last negotiation effort last Sunday with security forces representatives, President Morales defined the protest “politically motivated” and “a coup attempt by the right wing opposition”.
After a night of discussions and three days of violent rioting, on Sunday union leaders refused a proposal for a 25 Euro monthly salary raise, demanding a minimum raise of 210 Euro a month, around 70% of their current pay.
After days of indecision, Morales has ordered soldiers to be deployed on the streets of the country.
