Vendors from the Super Feria Oruro and other city fairs plan to block roads indefinitely this Thursday. They demand the repeal of government decrees they believe harm their businesses and Bolivian citizens alike.
Key Issues:
- Supreme Decree 4732: The vendors see this decree as an infringement on private property and detrimental to the entire Bolivian economy, not just the commercial sector.
- Bill 145/2023: This proposed bill authorizes joint operations by Bolivian Customs and local municipalities to seize smuggled or undocumented goods in local markets, fairs, and warehouses. Vendors are concerned about potential harassment and disruption to their businesses.
- Dollar Shortage: The vendors face difficulties purchasing foreign goods due to the lack of available US dollars.
- Electronic Invoicing: While not opposed to the concept, vendors request a delay in the implementation of mandatory electronic invoicing. They lack the necessary equipment and training to handle it in their stalls and propose continuing manual invoicing for now with a transition to electronic invoicing after proper training.
Travel Advisory: While specific locations of the roadblocks haven’t been announced, disruptions are highly likely. Oruro is a critical transportation hub for Bolivia, and these closures could significantly impact travel throughout the country.
