By Laura Gamba
BOGOTA, Colombia (AA) - Bolivian President Luis Arce called Wednesday for the immediate removal of roadblocks that have paralyzed parts of the country for 17 days.
"We demand the immediate lifting of all blockades to restore normality in our country,” said Arce. “If this clamorous request of the Bolivian people is not heard, our democratically elected government with more than 55% of the vote will exercise its constitutional powers to safeguard the interests of the Bolivian people," he warned.
The protests, fueled by supporters of former President Evo Morales, demand Arce's resignation over alleged "judicial persecution" against Morales, who is under investigation for aggravated rape and human trafficking.
Arce condemned the violence from protesters.
“Those who maintain the blockades and are identified as followers of Evo Morales have attacked with hatred police officers and press workers who were doing their job,” he said.
On Tuesday, violent clashes in the town of Mairana in Santa Cruz department left 30 people injured. Since the protests began, 70 people have been hurt, including nine civilians and 61 law enforcement officers.
The president accused Morales of inciting his supporters to create regional blockades, causing “substantial” economic damage. Arce estimates the cost of the disruptions at over $1.7 billion, with “terrible” consequences for families and the economy.
He pointed out that fuel supply has been disrupted and food prices have surged.
The blockades prevent Bolivians from getting to work, children from attending school, food from reaching markets at fair prices, and fuel from arriving at service stations on time, directly affecting daily life,” said Arce.
Currently, more than 20 roads are blocked across the country and nearly 50 protesters have been arrested.