Bolivia’s Austerity Shock Triggers Nationwide Revolt

Politics, Geopolitics & Conflict Austerity measures in Bolivia have gone too far, too fast, putting the president’s political longevity in question.

Bolivian President Rodrigo Paz, who came into office six months ago, backed by Washington and promising market-oriented reforms during a severe economic crisis, is now facing nationwide unrest after scrapping fuel subsidies, pursuing austerity measures, and attempting land reforms that triggered fears of consolidation by larger agricultural interests.

What began as protests from small farmers…