World

Bolivia president Paz cuts salary by 50% as protests grip country

By Reuters Reuters
Bolivia's President Rodrigo Paz holds a press conference in La Paz, Bolivia, May 20, 2026. REUTERS/Claudia Morales
Bolivia's President Rodrigo Paz holds a press conference in La Paz, Bolivia, May 20, 2026. REUTERS/Claudia Morales Claudia Morales Reuters

LA PAZ - Bolivian President Rodrigo Paz said on Monday he will cut his salary by 50%.

Speaking at a formal ceremony in Sucre, Paz announced that his cabinet ministers would also halve their pay to show their "commitment to the country."

The pay cuts come as Bolivia enters its fourth week of political and social unrest. Protests have caused growing supply chain issues in the cities of La Paz and El Alto, where severe shortages of food, fuel and medicine are hitting markets, hospitals and gas stations.

(Reporting by Daniel Ramos, Editing by Iñigo Alexander)

Security forces use tear gas during nationwide protests aiming to press Bolivian President Rodrigo Paz's government to roll back austerity measures and address rising costs of living, in Apacheta, Bolivia, May 23, 2026. REUTERS/Claudia Morales
Security forces use tear gas during nationwide protests aiming to press Bolivian President Rodrigo Paz's government to roll back austerity measures and address rising costs of living, in Apacheta, Bolivia, May 23, 2026. REUTERS/Claudia Morales Claudia Morales Reuters

Copyright Reuters or USA Today Network via Reuters Connect.

This story was originally published May 25, 2026 at 10:09 AM.

Get unlimited digital access
#ReadLocal

Try 1 month for $1

CLAIM OFFER