La Paz Bus Drivers Defy Tolls, Hunger Strike Looms Amid Fuel Crisis

La Paz Bus Drivers Protest Fuel Shortages, Announce Hunger Strike La Paz, Bolivia – Bus drivers in La Paz launched a protest on June 4, 2025, due to severe fuel shortages impacting their livelihoods. The drivers announced a hunger strike beginning Monday, June 9, and have also collectively decided to stop paying tolls until their demands are met. The protest, which included a large march, underscores the growing economic hardship faced by many Bolivians. "We've decided to stop paying tolls in La Paz," stated Edson Valdez, Secretary of Transportation, in an interview featured in the video. "Starting Monday, we'll begin an indefinite hunger strike." Valdez further explained that the drivers are seeking an extension to Law 5400 and a pause on bank credits to ease financial burdens. The demonstration highlights the urgent need for the government to address the fuel crisis and its effects on essential services. The drivers' determination to engage in a hunger strike indicates the gravity of the situation and the desperation felt by those directly affected. The government's response to these demands will be crucial in determining the future course of events.