Thousands of workers affiliated with the COB, the main trade union organization of the South American country, marched from different points in La Paz towards the Murillo Square, where the Government Palace and the Legislative Assembly are located. This is indicated by a chronicle that reconstructs the events of a violent day—at the end of two days of active protests—according to the Xinhua report that reached the editorial office of the Argentine News Agency. The protesters demanded the repeal of Supreme Decree 5503, holding the Government responsible for a measure they say represents an imminent increase in the cost of living. Buenos Aires, December 24 (NA)—Protests in Bolivia against a decree that eliminates state subsidies for hydrocarbons led to clashes between police forces and protesters from the Bolivian Workers' Center (COB) in the city of La Paz, a day marked by the use of tear gas, explosives, and injured people. Tuesday's protests in the Bolivian capital marked the second consecutive day of mobilizations against the economic adjustment promoted by the Government, which decreed the end of fuel subsidies as a measure to alleviate fiscal pressure, a topic that has historically been sensitive in Bolivia. The Police denounced the use of explosives as a risk factor for public safety, in addition to reporting injured officers and protesters, according to the chronicle that reconstructs today the sequence of events during a violent Tuesday. Impact on commercial activity on the second day of mobilizations The impact of the mobilizations is also felt in commercial activity, as informal traders in the center expressed their rejection, stating that the blockades affect sales during the peak Christmas season, one of the most important of the year. The unionized workers were contained by a strong police cordon, which prevented their entry to the so-called Kilometer Zero of power in Bolivia. The executive secretary of the COB, Mario Argollo, stated that the norm directly affects workers and warned that its implementation will have consequences for transportation, food, and services due to rising prices. Miners detonated explosives near Murillo Square. Tension increased when groups of salaried miners detonated explosives in the city's historic center, which provoked a police reaction that used tear gas to prevent them from entering Murillo Square.
