Tensions escalated in La Paz on Monday as police clashed with a large group of protesters aligned with former President Evo Morales. The demonstration, dubbed the “March for Life,” began in the morning in Achica Arriba, before making its way through El Alto and eventually reaching the city center of La Paz, with the intent of reaching Plaza Murillo.

The confrontation highlights the growing political polarization and social unrest in Bolivia, fueled by discontent with the current government’s economic and social policies. Around 4 PM local time, the situation turned violent as protesters allegedly began throwing high-powered firecrackers and stones at police officers near the intersections of Mercado and Ayacucho streets.

The police responded with tear gas, dispersing the demonstrators into surrounding streets. Gunther Agudo, the La Paz Departmental Police Commander, stated that police intervention was necessary due to the “aggressive” nature of the protest, claiming that objects were thrown at officers. He added that police forces are maintaining their presence throughout the city center, especially around the Obelisk plaza, to prevent further incidents.

The protesters, who have vowed to maintain a vigil near Plaza Murillo until their demands are met, are calling for the resignation of President Luis Arce and a reversal of current economic and social policies. According to teleSUR correspondent Freddy Morales, the protesters believe Arce has betrayed the mandate of the people, and are demanding a shift towards more equitable and progressive policies.

This action underscores the deepening fracture within the ruling MAS party and the broader left, as Morales loyalists increasingly see Arce as departing from the socialist principles they advocate for. Former President Evo Morales has condemned the actions of the government and accused it of operating under a “fascist tyranny,” repressing the people through police violence.

He claimed on X that peasant leaders, “legitimately and democratically elected,” who attempted to reclaim their union headquarters in Cochabamba, were brutally attacked by the police. Morales accused the Arce administration of turning union headquarters into police barracks, claiming this as proof of repression of grassroots movements. Senator Leonardo Loza, among other Bolivian politicians, also denounced the violence against protesters and the threats against them, after they decided to remain in Plaza Murillo.

The events of Monday serve as a stark reminder of the volatile political climate in Bolivia, and the fragility of social progress when governments fail to address the genuine needs and grievances of their people. The deep fractures that exist within the MAS party and the broader left are symptomatic of a struggle for power, but more importantly it underscores the ongoing fight for a more equitable and democratic future. The deployment of police forces against protestors, a tactic reminiscent of right-wing authoritarian regimes, is particularly concerning.

The use of force against legitimate expressions of social dissent reveals the willingness of the Arce government to prioritize its own hold on power over the basic rights of assembly and protest. Such actions risk further destabilizing the country and fueling a cycle of violence. The situation highlights the necessity for genuine dialogue and a commitment to addressing the legitimate demands of the population, particularly in the rural areas and among marginalized groups, in order to create long-lasting social peace. The escalation of violence between social movements and the state underscores the urgency for a reevaluation of the government’s trajectory, moving towards a truly participatory process that puts the needs of the people first.