Bolivian President Rodrigo Paz on Wednesday, 21 May announced a cabinet reshuffle and the creation of a new economic and social council in La Paz, marking the government's first significant political restructuring since widespread protests erupted in late April. Demonstrators — including farmers, miners, teachers and factory workers — have been demanding his resignation since he took office in November.

What Paz Announced

'I want to announce that we are going to reshuffle the cabinet, which must have the capacity to listen. The president cannot be everywhere, the president cannot solve all the problems, but he must address all the problems,' Paz told reporters at a press conference in the Bolivian capital.

He said the restructured cabinet would be 'more agile, more accessible and willing to listen,' with a stronger emphasis on dialogue and addressing accumulated social grievances.

How the Economic and Social Council Will Work

The proposed council will bring together representatives of farmers, trade unions, the self-employed, transport workers, artisans and other social segments. Members will participate in monthly meetings with the government.

The body will be tasked with evaluating the implementation of public policies, deliberating on reforms proposed by the president, and countering what officials describe as misinformation about government measures.

The Scale of Bolivia's Unrest

The announcement comes as Bolivia faces some of its most severe civil unrest in recent years. For more than three weeks, protesters have erected roadblocks across the country. Key participants include the Bolivian Workers' Central union and groups aligned with former President Evo Morales.

Tensions escalated sharply after police and military operations last weekend in El Alto, near La Paz, to clear roads and restore access to food and fuel supplies. Officials said more than 100 people were detained. Since Monday, protests have shifted into central La Paz, where clashes, looting and damage to public and private property have been reported.

Bolivia's Appeal to the OAS

Bolivian Foreign Minister Fernando Aramayo addressed a virtual session of the Organization of American States (OAS) Permanent Council on Wednesday, warning that weeks of road blockades, protests and violence pose a threat to Bolivia's democratic order, institutional stability and basic rights.

Aramayo called on the OAS and its member states to reaffirm support for Bolivia's constitutional order and condemn political violence aimed at disrupting state institutions. He also requested the dispatch of an international OAS mission to assess the situation on the ground. 'No demand can justify violence, intimidation or violations of citizens' rights,' he said.

What Comes Next

The cabinet reshuffle and council formation represent the government's opening bid at political de-escalation, but whether they will satisfy protest leaders — many of whom are demanding Paz's outright resignation — remains to be seen. The OAS mission request, if accepted, could add an international dimension to the crisis in the weeks ahead.