AGP Executive Report

Bolivia Crisis Escalates: Police and anti-government protesters clashed again in Santa Cruz as rural workers blocked roads demanding President Rodrigo Paz’s resignation; tear gas and stone-throwing followed, with the road only partially cleared before protesters moved to re-block it, amid nationwide blockades that have already disrupted food and medicine flows. State of Exception Debate: The government is weighing a State of Exception to expand military powers in response to the protests and roadblocks, while Paz renewed calls for dialogue. Defense Shake-Up: Bolivia appointed Ernesto Justiniano as defense minister, framing the role as restoring stability and safeguarding democratic order as unrest continues. External Pressure on the Ground: The U.S. pledged additional emergency assistance and logistics support, while a Latin America bloc condemned alleged drug-funded efforts to destabilize Paz’s government. Industry & Trade Signal: Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacífico reported La Paz airport passenger traffic rose 14% in May 2026 vs. May 2025, hinting at shifting mobility despite the crisis. Local Economy Note: Registration opened for La Paz’s 4th Annual Maja El Grande Fishing Tournament (July 11–12), with a prize pool above 1 million pesos.

Roadblock Clashes in Santa Cruz: Police and anti-government protesters clashed in San Julián as authorities tried to clear a road blocked by rural workers demanding President Rodrigo Paz’s resignation, with tear gas used and demonstrators throwing stones and burning tires; the agricultural breadbasket region is key to feeding western Bolivia. Crisis Deepens Across Bolivia: With around 100 blockade points reported earlier in the week, unrest has continued to disrupt transport of food, fuel and medicine, and protesters have repeatedly re-blocked roads after partial clearances. Government Response and Leadership Changes: Bolivia’s defense minister Ernesto Justiniano was appointed amid the standoff, while the government also moved toward a state-of-exception approach as more resignations were reported. U.S. Steps Up Support: The U.S. pledged emergency assistance and logistics support to address acute shortages tied to “illegal roadblocks,” with Secretary of State Marco Rubio backing Paz. Regional Security Framing: A U.S.-led Latin America bloc condemned alleged drug-funded efforts to topple Bolivia’s government, warning that “mob rule” can’t replace ballot decisions. Industry Angle—Supply Chain Pressure: The blockade-driven shortages are hitting the country’s agro-industrial corridors and raising costs for basic goods, adding strain to already fragile production and distribution.

Bolivia Crisis Response: The U.S. says it is ramping up emergency assistance and logistics support for Bolivia as protests and road blockades worsen shortages of food and medical supplies, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio speaking to President Rodrigo Paz and warning against destabilization. Political Fallout: As demonstrations enter day 33, Bolivia’s Defence Minister Marcelo Salinas and Education Minister Beatriz García resigned after refusing to sign a decree tied to a state of exception, while the government weighs military action against dozens of roadblocks. Supply Chain Pressure: The unrest has disrupted access to La Paz and El Alto, where about 2 million people live, tightening pressure on transport and basic goods. Regional Industry Watch: Separate coverage notes La Paz airport passenger figures rising in May (14% year-on-year) in Mexico’s Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacífico report, a reminder of how quickly mobility can swing with regional conditions.

Bolivia Crisis Escalates: President Rodrigo Paz’s government pushed a state-of-exception bill to Congress, aiming to authorize military and police action to clear road blockades and restore food, fuel and medical deliveries—prompting sharp backlash from peasant groups, unions and grassroots movements that demand his resignation. Ministerial Fallout: Defence Minister Marcelo Salinas and Education Minister Beatriz García resigned amid the 33rd day of protests in La Paz, as the cabinet weighed possible intervention across more than 90 road blockades. US Emergency Support: The United States backed Paz with emergency assistance and logistics support, citing acute food and medical shortages caused by “illegal roadblocks,” while warning against attempts to topple the government. China Relationship Under Strain: A new report says China’s role in Bolivia has deteriorated since the Morales/Arce era, citing corruption, weak performance and community resistance, alongside Bolivia’s push to rebuild ties with the US and other Western partners. Industry & Logistics Hit: Coverage highlights how blockades are disrupting national logistics and daily supply chains, raising pressure on production and transport.

Bolivia Crisis Escalates: Bolivia’s political standoff deepened as Defence Minister Marcelo Salinas and Education Minister Beatriz García resigned on day 33 of protests in La Paz, after the government pushed a state-of-exception decree tied to more than 90 road blockades and the possibility of military intervention to restore supplies. Emergency Law Push: President Rodrigo Paz sent a bill to Parliament to regulate states of emergency, aiming to create a legal framework for police and armed forces actions during blockades—prompting backlash from peasant groups, unions, and grassroots movements that accuse the government of criminalizing protest. US Support for Stability: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio pledged emergency assistance and logistics support to help Bolivians facing food and medical shortages caused by “illegal roadblocks,” reaffirming Washington’s commitment to Bolivia’s democracy. La Paz Industry & Services: La Paz also moved on sustainability with inclusion in an international program promoting organic waste management through home composting, alongside progress at its transfer station and composting facilities.

Bolivia Crisis Update: President Rodrigo Paz sent a bill to regulate states of emergency to Parliament as nationwide road blockades drag on, with protests now in their fifth week and at least five deaths reported; the plan would let police and armed forces intervene in demonstrations to reopen logistics for food, fuel and medical supplies, while defense and education ministers resigned amid the standoff. Cabinet Shake-Up: Reuters reports Defense Minister Marcelo Salinas and Education Minister Beatriz García stepped down as the government weighs a state-of-exception decree tied to Law 1732 and more than 90 road blockades. AI in Public Services: A Granicus survey says 57% of public sector workers are using or testing AI-driven services, but 69% of citizens don’t know AI is being used and 49% don’t trust it—raising stakes for Bolivia’s digital governance. Mining & Industry Lens: Azuria Capital’s Tavi Costa argues the AI buildout is draining resources via data centers and grid upgrades while mine supply deficits persist, pointing to longer-cycle bottlenecks that could reshape demand for metals like zinc. Local Sustainability: La Paz was highlighted for expanding home composting and organic waste management through an international cooperation fund, with progress reported at transfer and composting facilities. Trade & Manufacturing: Luda Technology appointed new authorized agents across Peru, Colombia, Egypt, South Africa and Chile, extending its stainless and carbon steel fittings sales network into Latin America.

Bolivia Crisis Update: President Rodrigo Paz sent a bill to Parliament to regulate states of emergency as protests and road blockades entered a fifth week, with at least five deaths and over $1.6B in losses; more than 100 roadblocks have disrupted goods, food, and fuel distribution. Ministerial Shake-Up: Defense Minister Marcelo Salinas and Education Minister Beatriz García resigned amid demands for a state of exception decree, while the government weighs possible military action against dozens of blockades. La Paz Sustainability Push: La Paz was added to an international program promoting home composting and organic waste management, with progress cited at an 85%-complete transfer station and composting facilities. Public Sector Tech Trust Gap: A Granicus survey says 57% of public workers use AI services, but 69% of citizens don’t know AI is being used and 49% don’t trust it—raising stakes for digital public services. Mining & Industry Signals: Luda Technology appointed new authorized agents across Peru, Colombia, Egypt, South Africa, and Chile, expanding its stainless and carbon steel fittings sales network.

Bolivia Protest Fallout: Bolivia’s defense minister resigned after a month of anti-government protests, with cabinet reshuffles underway as road blockades disrupt access to La Paz and El Alto and protesters press for austerity rollbacks and lower living costs. Public Sector AI Trust Gap: A Granicus survey says 57% of public sector workers use AI-driven services, but 69% of citizens don’t know AI is being used and 49% don’t trust or feel comfortable with it—raising pressure for clearer rollout and safeguards. Mining & Investment Signals: Magnum Mining completed OTC Markets submissions to improve access for U.S. investors, while Orvana highlighted its Don Mario mine in Bolivia ahead of a Quebec City investor event. Air Quality Monitoring (Community Tech): In Mexicali, a binational workshop trained participants to build and run community air-quality monitors, aiming to turn local data into accountability. Travel Demand Outlook: WTTC forecasts Central and South America’s travel and tourism GDP growth at 4.1% in 2026, outpacing the global average.

Bolivia Protest Fallout: Bolivia’s defense minister stepped down as anti-government road blockades and austerity anger intensified, with cabinet reshuffles underway and protesters demanding economic relief and policy reversals. Supply Chain Pressure: The unrest has been hitting freight and daily essentials hard, with major transport routes disrupted and authorities resorting to emergency air deliveries to keep food moving. Mining & Investment Signals: Orvana highlighted its Don Mario operation in Bolivia while planning investor engagement at Quebec’s Mining Investment Event, underscoring continued interest in Bolivian-linked projects. Critical Minerals Outlook: The World Bank says mining activity could double by 2040 and is expanding support for governance, infrastructure, and private investment to turn mineral wealth into jobs and local industry. Community & Skills: A La Paz-linked air-quality monitoring workshop trained youth and activists to build and run community monitors, pushing practical environmental data collection. Regional Business Climate: TMF Group’s complexity index flags Bolivia among the tougher jurisdictions for foreign firms, citing shifting rules and compliance burdens.

Bolivia Crisis Watch: Bolivia’s nationwide road blockades are now isolating six departments and squeezing supplies for 31 straight days, with 89 active blockade points reported by the highway authority (ABC) and shortages hitting food and fuel hardest, while talks remain stalled and political demands have broadened. Regional Energy Strain: Pando has declared a territory-wide emergency after fuel reserves plunged, warning that isolated diesel-dependent systems threaten basic services and that gasoline could last only about two days. Mining & Investment: Tintina Mines announced a C$91 million private placement anchored by Sumitomo and the Gignac family, plus strategic participation from Franco-Nevada, to push the Domeyko Sulfuros copper-gold project toward a final investment decision. Education & Human Capital: UNESCO reports global stagnation in school enrollment growth since 2015, including in Latin America and the Caribbean—an issue that matters for Bolivia’s long-term workforce pipeline. Business Compliance Pressure: TMF Group’s complexity index flags Bolivia among the world’s hardest places for foreign firms to operate, citing shifting rules and compliance burdens.

Bolivia Protest Crisis: Bolivia’s blockades have now isolated six departments and pushed shortages of food, fuel, and essentials deeper, with 89 active roadblocks reported across La Paz, Cochabamba, Chuquisaca, Oruro, Potosí, and Santa Cruz as talks remain stalled. Regional Emergency Response: In Pando, authorities declared a territory-wide emergency after fuel reserves dropped sharply, warning isolated diesel-dependent systems could run out in days and urging mobilized groups to allow transit. Mining & Investment Signals: Orvana Minerals says it will represent the company at Quebec City’s Mining Investment Event (June 2–4) to engage investors, while Pan American Silver advances Timmins plans after exploration success, moving toward phased development that could extend mine life. Food Security in La Paz: Free summer meals are expanding for youth in La Paz and Yuma via the USDA Summer Food Service Program, aiming to keep children fed during school breaks. Wildlife & Environment: A report highlights how wildlife trafficking networks operate across the region, including Bolivia, while an environmental defenders meeting in Lima focuses on protecting water and territories from criminalization tied to extractive activity.

Food Security & Local Industry: In Yuma and La Paz, the USDA Summer Food Service Program is bringing back free summer meals for kids 18 and under, aiming to keep nutrition steady during school breaks. Supply Chains Under Strain: Bolivia’s nationwide blockades are now isolating six departments with 89 active road cut points, worsening shortages of food, fuel, and essentials as talks stall and tensions rise. Regional Energy Shock: Pando has declared a fuel emergency after reserves dropped sharply, warning isolated diesel-dependent systems could run out in days and urging transit corridors to reopen. Mining & Production Planning: Pan American Silver advanced exploration at its Timmins operation in Canada, starting a $146m first phase to extend mine life and support potential production growth. Waste & Urban Services: La Paz is nearing completion of a Solid Waste Transfer Center (about 90%), with weighbridges and compactor work underway and testing planned for early June to cut truck trips and fuel use. Agriculture Strategy: IICA member states backed its 2026–2030 plan focused on food security, resilience, and sustainable growth. Mining Finance/Tech: Bolivia-linked mining updates also surfaced, including equipment and project progress items tied to exploration and development.

Bolivia Blockade Crisis: Road blockades have isolated six departments and pushed shortages of food, fuel, and essentials deeper as talks stall, with 89 active blockade points reported by ABC and La Paz emerging as the protest hub. Fuel Emergency in Pando: Pando declared a territory-wide emergency after fuel reserves plunged; diesel is expected to run out quickly in isolated energy systems, threatening basic services and prompting calls for transit corridors. Nationwide Unrest: The unrest traces back to April’s Indigenous and peasant march against Law 1720, later expanding into anti-austerity demands and calls for President Rodrigo Paz’s resignation, amid deaths, injuries, arrests, and military deployments. La Paz Airport Growth: La Paz International Airport reported a 12% rise in passenger traffic in Jan–Apr, driven by international growth and the Los Angeles route. Agriculture & Food Security: IICA member states backed a 2026–2030 strategic plan focused on food security, resilience, and sustainable growth across the Americas. Waste Management Upgrade: La Paz’s solid waste transfer center is nearing completion, aiming to cut landfill trips, fuel use, and vehicle wear through new weighbridges and compaction equipment.

Bolivia Unrest Escalates: Weeks of protests against President Rodrigo Paz have left at least six dead, dozens injured, and nearly 90 arrested, with more than 50 roadblocks still active and fuel shortages reported in several cities; after Law 1720 was repealed on May 13, blockades intensified as demands shifted toward Paz’s resignation, including deadly clashes in La Paz and a Calamarca operation involving nearly 3,000 troops. Pando Fuel Emergency: Pando declared a territory-wide emergency after fuel reserves plunged due to blockades, warning diesel may run out in days in isolated systems and urging sectors to allow fuel transit via an alternative border corridor. La Paz Waste Infrastructure: La Paz’s Solid Waste Transfer Center is nearly 90% complete, with weighbridges and a garbage compactor underway and testing planned for early June to cut landfill trips, fuel use, and vehicle wear. Food Security Planning: IICA member states backed a 2026–2030 strategic plan focused on food security and agricultural resilience, with Bolivia among the represented countries. Regional Industry Outlook: WTTC forecasts Central and South America’s travel and tourism GDP to outpace global growth in 2026, with Bolivia projected to grow strongly on rising international visitor spending.

Bolivia Protest Crisis: Bolivia’s anti-austerity, pro-labor uprising keeps escalating as President Rodrigo Paz moves to restore order with tougher measures, while a senior minister says calls for resignation are “anti-democratic” and rejects any coup fears. Security & Military Deployment: The government has cleared the legal path to deploy troops on the streets by repealing restrictions tied to the 2020 “state of exception” law, raising alarms among unions and Indigenous federations. Cochabamba Alert: A sudden, widespread power outage in the Chapare region triggered fears of an operation targeting former President Evo Morales, prompting road blockades and an emergency alert. Urban Services & Infrastructure: In parallel, La Paz is nearing completion of a Solid Waste Transfer Center (about 90%), aiming to modernize garbage collection and cut truck trips to the landfill. Agriculture Policy: IICA member states backed a new 2026–2030 strategic plan focused on food security and agricultural resilience, with Bolivia among the represented countries. Mining & Industry Signals: Reuters also reports ongoing unrest amid supply-chain disruption, while regional industry coverage highlights continued interest in lithium and copper investment across the “lithium triangle” that includes Bolivia.

Bolivia Protests & Austerity Backlash: Anti-government unrest in La Paz and El Alto has escalated into a nationwide standoff over fuel subsidies, austerity and living costs, with blockades choking trade and supply chains; President Rodrigo Paz’s government says calls for resignation are “anti-democratic,” while protesters demand rollbacks and dialogue. Military Deployment Legal Shift: In a fast-track move, Bolivia repealed the 2020 “state of exception” law that limited troop deployment against civilians, clearing the way for the military to act on the streets amid the strike and blockades. La Paz Urban Services: The Solid Waste Transfer Center in La Paz is nearing completion (about 90%), with weighbridges and a garbage compactor underway; testing is set for early June, aiming to cut landfill trips and reduce fuel use and vehicle wear. Food & Agriculture Strategy: IICA member states backed a 2026–2030 strategic plan focused on food security and agricultural resilience, with Bolivia included in the commission. Transport & Tourism Demand: La Paz International Airport reported 12% passenger growth in Jan–Apr 2026, driven by international traffic and the Los Angeles route, supporting tourism connectivity. Mining & Geology Leadership: Everlert (American Gold & Copper) appointed Dr. Richard “Criss” Capps as VP of Mining, Exploration and Geology, with experience spanning projects across South America. Regional Security Cooperation: Chile, Argentina, Peru, Bolivia and Ecuador signed the Santiago Commitment to coordinate against transnational organized crime and drug trafficking, linking border security with development concerns.