LA PAZ, Bolivia (Reuters) — The ongoing and defiant protest led by Bolivians in wheelchairs took on new dimensions Tuesday (May 3) as the protesters push on for an increase in state benefits. The demonstration ended in violence in La Paz just steps away from the government palace. Several police officers were injured, as was one woman protester.
Hundreds of protesters have arrived in La Paz from throughout the country to step up pressure on the Bolivian government to increase their current 1,000 boliviano ($144 dollar) annual stipend to a 500 (USD 72 dollar) monthly benefit. The government has rejected the increase, but has expressed a willingness to dialogue. The protesters have set up encampments outside the government house.
One protester who spent 35 days trekking to La Paz is Rosmery Juanita. In a public display in downtown La Paz, she tied her wheelchair to a city overpass and garnered police attention.
“We are going to continue with our protests because we are demanding our rights, those for people with disabilities, we have never had our rights respected. And so we are going to maintain the pressure measures until the end. As a Bolivian, I have rights to the bonanza here in Bolivia. I am Bolivian, and so I have a right to ask for what belongs to me as a Bolivian citizen,” she said.
The protesters are being supported with food and other donations, but volunteers have been arrested by the government, according to reports.
In view of protesters with disabilities clashing with police in riot gear, the government convened a news conference to address the ongoing stand-off.
Speaking in La Paz, Alfredo Rada, Bolivia’s vice minister for co-ordination with social movements, underscored the government’s openness but inability to agree to the additional benefit.
“We have tried dialogue with this group in charge on 16 occasions,” he said.
“We have been very clear and very responsible. We, truthfully, have expressed our respect for this group. We have indicated that given the economic possibilities of the country, this benefit cannot be given out, as the minister of the economy and finance and all the government has said,” he added.
Local media has reported that the government had allocated some 40 million bolivianos ($5.8 million U.S. dollars) for the disabled. But the pool has been divided into two groups – half has been paid out as a monthly stipend and the other half has been used for funding projects for the disabled.
According to the protesters, President Evo Morales promised greater assistance to the country’s marginalised before taking office. They say he has not fulfilled his promise.