Police fired tear gas on Tuesday (December 30) to disperse miners protesting a controversial government decree outside La Paz's Murillo Square, escalating tensions during the demonstration.

Miners confronted law enforcement as they attempted to advance on the central square, leading to police launching tear gas and rubber bullets against the crowd.

The protests erupted in opposition to Decree 5503, with miners demanding the rescission of the measure, which they argue adversely impacts their livelihoods. Demonstrators vowed to continue their efforts in what they describe as a fight for Bolivia's future.

The unrest centres on Supreme Decree 5503, which rolled back subsidies that for more than two decades kept domestic fuel prices far below international levels. The move has doubled gasoline prices and tripled diesel costs, sparking anger among unions and transport workers who say the measure will drive up food and transport costs for Bolivia’s poorest.

President Rodrigo Paz Pereira, who took office in early November, has defended the decree as necessary to ease fiscal pressure on the state. Government officials argue the subsidy system is unsustainable amid falling hydrocarbon revenues and a prolonged economic slowdown.

Production: Sergio Limachi, Monica Machicao, Gloria Lopez/Reuters