Six Bolivian federations denounce the negative economic impact of the diesel price increase

The management of the Six Federations of the Tropics of Cochabamba expressed this Monday (17) its firm rejection of Supreme Decree 5676, which set the price of diesel at 18 Bolivianos per liter for large consumers. During a press conference, union leaders denounced the measure as a severe blow to the popular economy, which will directly increase the cost of national agricultural production.

Spokespeople for the farmers’ organization warned that the rise in fuel prices will immediately affect the cost of basic foods. Leader Vicente Choque described the government decree as an uneconomic policy that harms workers, also criticizing the fact that the official resolution was issued unexpectedly in the early hours of the morning.

In a meeting with the press, community leaders expressed deep concern about the government’s alleged plan to privatize at least 15 public companies, citing the case of the telecommunications company Entel. The leaders stated that the Executive Branch is unable to guarantee food security or deal with the escalating prices that impact families daily.

In turn, leader Vilma Colque harshly criticized President Rodrigo Paz’s economic policies, accusing the central government of prioritizing the privatization of strategic assets. The spokesperson emphasized that the popular movement will not allow constitutional reforms that aim to favor private companies in the hydrocarbons and natural resources sector.

The Six Federations made a public appeal to their base members and various social sectors across the country to maintain organizational unity in defense of the Plurinational State. Leaders said they will coordinate peaceful protests to demand the repeal of regulations that negatively impact Bolivian families.

The declaration increases political tension between organizations in the Bolivian tropics and government authorities amid the complex economic situation. To date, central government spokespeople have not issued official statements in response to the accusations made by the agricultural sector.