Bolivia's Economic Turmoil: President Calls for End to Highway Blockades

Bolivian President Luis Arce has urged an end to the highway blockades that have heavily impacted the nation's economy, costing $1.7 billion and injuring 70 people, including 61 police officers. The blockades, organized by Evo Morales' supporters, are part of an escalating conflict between political rivals.

In La Paz, Bolivian President Luis Arce has demanded the cessation of highway blockades that have inflicted severe economic damage on the country, ripping through the economy with a loss of over $1.7 billion. These blockades have triggered a crisis, heightening tensions with his main adversary, Evo Morales.

'We demand the immediate lifting of all blockade points for the re-establishment of normalcy in our country,' Arce declared, stressing that the government would resort to necessary measures if protests persist. The blockades, which have resulted in 70 injuries, including 61 police officers, were organized by Morales' supporters.

The president's address marks another effort to defuse the escalating conflict, while Morales accuses Arce of a plot against him. Meanwhile, the government refuted Morales' gun attack claims, labeling them as 'theater,' asserting that it was Morales' convoy that engaged anti-narcotics police.

(With inputs from agencies.)