Marcelo Salinas steps down as month-long demonstrations over austerity measures and economic crisis intensify pressure on President Rodrigo Paz.
Bolivia’s Defence Minister Marcelo Salinas resigned on Tuesday, becoming the highest-level government official to step down amid a wave of anti-government protests that have paralysed parts of the country for more than a month.
The resignation comes as protesters, including labour unions, indigenous groups and supporters of former President Evo Morales, continue to demand the ouster of centrist President Rodrigo Paz, who took office in November 2025.
Government sources confirmed Salinas submitted his resignation to President Paz on Tuesday, June 2. Local media reported that Vice Minister Ernesto Justiniano, who has served as the country’s anti-drug tsar, is expected to replace him, though the appointment has not yet been officially announced.
Anti-Government Protests Shake Bolivia’s Leadership:
The protests, which began in May, have escalated into widespread road blockades, disrupting supply chains and causing severe shortages of fuel, food and medicine across major cities. Demonstrators accuse Paz’s government of imposing harsh austerity measures that have worsened Bolivia’s worst economic crisis in decades, marked by rising living costs and dwindling foreign reserves.
Clashes between protesters and security forces have turned violent at times, with images from La Paz showing clouds of tear gas, running crowds and riot police confronting demonstrators.
Paz, who ended nearly two decades of leftist rule under the Movement for Socialism (MAS), has faced growing calls to resign despite attempts to defuse the crisis. Earlier measures included a proposed 50 percent salary cut for himself and cabinet ministers, a cabinet reshuffle, and the creation of an economic and social council.
The resignation of Salinas-and reports that the Education Minister has also stepped down-mark a significant blow to the government’s stability just seven months into Paz’s term.
Unrest Continues in Bolivia:
Analysts say the unrest reflects deep divisions in Bolivian society, including rifts within the MAS party between supporters of Morales and those aligned with the current administration. Road blockades have caused major economic losses, further straining an already vulnerable economy.
As of Wednesday, protests continued in several regions, with indigenous and peasant organisations vowing to maintain pressure until their demands are met.
The Paz administration has so far ruled out the president’s resignation, with officials insisting the government remains committed to dialogue. However, the departure of key ministers underscores the mounting challenges facing Bolivia’s political leadership.