Calls for self-proclaimed president to resign
A week of unrest in Bolivia has seen the military take over after one president’s resignation, and a new president declaring herself to be in charge despite not having anywhere near the votes to assume the post. The week ends with large protests.
Thousands are taking to the streets in all of the major cities of Bolivia, criticizing the military coup and demanding the resignation of the interim president. Large numbers of protesters are from the country’s indigenous people, who are condemning the new president as racist for her previous comments that indigenous people don’t belong in the cities.
Anger at interim president Anez was also directed at Bolivian security forces, particularly the police who have been stopping protests in recent days, and who have assisted Anez’s takeover by blocking marches on parliament.
One Bolivian hospital director in Sacaba reported at least five protesters killed and 75 injured. Most casualties are reportedly the result of gunfire. The interim government is not directly commenting on casualties, and there are no figures yet for nationwide casualties in attempts to stop the protests.