Arce proposes referendum to define presidential reelection in Bolivia

Bolivia’s socialist President Luis Arce said on Tuesday that national referenda would be held soon on the removal of politically combustible fuel subsidies and on the constitutionality of presidential reelections.

A plan to vote on the elimination of fuel subsidies comes as incensed truckers and other protesters have blockaded roads leading to Bolivian cities in recent weeks over the scarcity of diesel, which is more than 80% imported. Fuel shipments from Bolivia’s key ally Russia were stranded by a rainstorm last week at a Chilean port, adding to pressures on Arce’s administration.