New clashes between police and demonstrators in Bolivia: Thousands call for the resignation of new president Paz

(Patria) - Bolivian riot police clashed on Friday with a new wave of protests in La Paz, where thousands joined demonstrations calling for the resignation of the new center-right president Rodrigo Paz, AFP reported.

Demands for the resignation of this business-minded conservative persist despite his promise to address the grievances of unions and indigenous communities.

Many businesses closed their doors, anticipating a repeat of the clashes that marked similar demonstrations on Monday.

"He should resign, damn it!" shouted a crowd of farmers, workers, miners, transport workers, and teachers who blocked traffic in the streets of the Andean city.

Paz came to power six months ago, amid the country's worst economic crisis since the 1980s, marked by acute shortages of fuel and foreign currency, and uncontrolled inflation.

Wearing helmets and ponchos, demonstrators, many waving rainbow-colored indigenous flags, marched towards the city center to the sound of firecrackers.

Under a thick cloud of tear gas, demonstrators threw stones and sticks at riot police, who prevented them from reaching the square in front of government buildings.

Paz attempted to quell the protests by dismissing his unpopular labor minister and promising to give miners, workers, and other groups on the streets more say in policy-making.

But his attempts seem to have fallen short of expectations. Demonstrators continue to block roads leading to La Paz, causing shortages of food, medicine, and fuel.

Unions began the demonstrations at the beginning of the month, demanding wage increases, improved fuel supply, and economic stability.

As weeks passed, the demonstrations turned into a full-blown rebellion, marked by calls for the resignation of Paz, who is supported by the United States.