*Transport workers have mounted roadblocks around Bolivia in protest at shortages of US dollars and fuel, causing disruption in the western department of La Paz, the southwestern department of Oruro, and the eastern department of Santa Cruz. Economy & Finance Minister Marcelo Montenegro claimed that the protests are being orchestrated by the faction of the ruling left-wing Movimiento al Socialismo (MAS) that is loyal to former president Evo Morales (2006-2019), and which is now in open opposition to President Luis Arce’s government as both men seek the party’s nomination for the 2025 presidential election. The disruption may intensify in the coming weeks, with Morales’ supporters threatening a wave of protests if the supreme electoral court (TSE) upholds the decisions taken earlier this month at a disputed MAS congress organised by Arce’s faction of the party, which saw Morales removed as party leader and replaced by Arce loyalist Grover García.
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