Bolivian miners clashed with police during a march on Thursday, calling for the resignation of President Rodrigo Paz, with some setting off dynamite. The protest in downtown La Paz saw thousands of miners demanding labor reforms, fuel, and greater access to explosives.

As the hours passed, the crowd began chanting slogans calling for the president's resignation. Police responded by firing tear gas at the violent protesters. The use of dynamite has become increasingly common in the second week of nationwide unrest.

Blockades and marches have paralyzed much of the Bolivian capital over the last few days as various groups, including school teachers, demand higher wages amid the nation's economic crisis. Bolivia's economic downturn has worsened due to a shortage of US dollars and a decline in energy production.

The latest wave of protests was triggered by farmers demanding the repeal of a law permitting land mortgage. Although President Paz signed a decree to annul the law on Wednesday, protests have only continued to spread.

President Paz was sworn into office only six months ago, winning the election on promises to pull the Andean nation out of its worst economic crisis in a generation. The government has expressed openness to dialogue, but the situation remains tense with 67 highway blockades reported, leading to shortages of food, goods, and medicines.

Source: www.dw.com