Late last night, the Federation of Drivers of Chuquisaca announced the suspension of public transport services and blockades at city entrances and streets starting at midnight. The strike is in response to the diesel shortage at fuel stations, the lack of dollars, and the high exchange rate in the informal market.
Drivers Demand Solutions Amidst Severe Fuel Shortage and Strike: “We demand an immediate solution to these problems. This will be a strong strike; no vehicles will be allowed to circulate except for fuel tankers and ambulances,” stated Marco Antonio Huaranca, General Secretary of the Federation of Drivers, during a press conference.”We’ve been forced into this extreme measure. We believe it’s the only way for the government to listen to us. We’re tired of waiting three nights to get diesel. Now, the dollar is at 11 bolivianos, and everything imported is bought in dollars. A tire that used to cost $200, or 1,400 bolivianos, now costs 2,100,” complained Antonio Moreno, executive of the Regional Heavy Transport Drivers Union of Sucre.
Additionally, the Sucre and San Cristóbal microbus unions reported that the diesel shortage has significantly reduced their operational capacity, currently working at 35% to 45%.
Reports of Violence by Protesters: In a troubling escalation of violence, drivers have been assaulting citizens attempting to pass through blockades. Similarly, motorcyclists have faced attacks. Additionally, reports of vandalism have emerged from the San Juanillo area.
Roadblock Points: The Federation of Drivers has set up roadblocks in thirty points, including both the city center and main access roads.
Key blockade points in the city center include Plaza 25 de Mayo, Junín, Bustillos, Loa streets, and major avenues such as Hernando Siles, Jaime Mendoza, Maestro, Juana Azurduy de Padilla, Circunvalación, and Marcelo Quiroga Santa Cruz, crucial for urban transit.
Roadblocks around the city include Abra, Guereo, Quirpinchaca, the airport exit, Mercado Campesino, Rotary Roundabout, Parada Tarabuco, Japan neighborhood entrance, and Tinta Mayu, among others.
The roadblocks extend to main entrances to Sucre, covering locations such as Totacoa Bridge, Cachimayu junction, La Calancha, Retén to Potosí, Aranjuez area, Ende, Fancesa roundabout, the former customs area, and checkpoints and exits to other departments.
Will Sucre’s Drivers Join the National Strike on Thursday? The Bolivian Drivers’ Confederation confirmed a national strike with blockades for Thursday, August 1, demanding solutions to fuel shortages, foreign currency issues, and other concerns.
In Chuquisaca, the strike was brought forward by 48 hours, but drivers do not rule out extending their protest and participating in the national blockade planned for Thursday. This will be discussed in today’s expanded meeting.
“We’re starting the protest early, and on Wednesday, we’ll decide whether to join the national strike,” Huaranca noted.
Microbus Unions Withdraw from Local Strike: Despite the Sucre Microbus Union leadership initially confirming their participation in the local protest, they later retracted. Instead, they will join the nationwide mobilizations called for Thursday by the National Drivers’ Confederation.
“I want to clarify that the Sucre Microbus Union will not participate in any action tomorrow (today). As the Secretary of Government of this organization, I can confirm that we will not block the streets and will join Thursday’s national mobilization,” declared José Luis Medrano, Secretary of Government of the organization.
Similarly, Teodoro Copa, leader of the Interdepartmental and Interprovincial Capital Buses Union, announced that his sector would not participate in today’s blockade. He stated that the Federation did not coordinate the action with his sector, and they will join the national mobilization scheduled for Thursday.
