AGP Executive Report

Bolivia Protests Escalate: President Rodrigo Paz signalled dwindling patience for weeks of roadblocks, blaming “narcoterrorists” and pushing a state-of-emergency path that would let the military clear blockades; clashes have left at least 14 civilians and riot police injured, with food, fuel and basic goods shortages worsening. Sports—Bolivia vs Scotland Fallout: Scotland’s World Cup build-up is in full swing after a 4-0 warm-up win over Bolivia, but a row with Norway erupted when Scotland cancelled a behind-closed-doors friendly at short notice, with Norway calling it “unprofessional” and Scotland’s John McGinn defending the decision as injury-protective. Doping Update: CAS cut Bolivia midfielder Boris Cespedes’ doping ban to 15 months after partially upholding his appeal over acetazolamide. Business—Oil and Demand: D&L Industries said it’s more optimistic as crude and coconut oil prices fall, with non-food demand helping offset weaker food sales.

Bolivia Protests Escalate: Bolivia’s legislature passed a new law letting President Rodrigo Paz deploy the military to clear roadblocks, after weeks of anti-government demonstrations that have disrupted food and medicine supplies; clashes in San Julián saw riot police backed by military vehicles use tear gas as protesters threw stones and burned tires. Scotland World Cup Momentum: In New Jersey, Scotland wrapped warm-ups with a dominant 4-0 win over Bolivia, with Tony Ralston praising unity and a “squad tournament” mindset ahead of the opener against Haiti. Selection Pressure on Scotland: Striker Lawrence Shankland, in red-hot form, says he’s not guaranteed a starting spot despite scoring again, while Scotland’s camp also dealt with minor fitness concerns after cancelling a behind-closed-doors match vs Norway due to injuries. Peru Runoff Tightens: Peru’s presidential runoff remains too close to call, with exit polls showing Keiko Fujimori narrowly ahead over Roberto Sanchez as crime and political instability drive voter anger.

Bolivia Protest Crackdown: Bolivia’s legislature has passed a law regulating “States of Exception,” paving the way for President Rodrigo Paz to use the military to clear roadblocks tied to weeks of anti-government protests, with soldiers given a “presumption of legality” unless proven otherwise. Local Impact: The measure follows clashes in Santa Cruz’s San Julián where tear gas was used and protesters resisted, as blockades have fueled food and medicine shortages and disrupted fuel distribution in La Paz and El Alto. World Cup Prep, Bolivia Connection: Scotland’s 4-0 friendly win over Bolivia in New Jersey is feeding World Cup momentum, with Steve Clarke calling it “fantastic problems” ahead of the opener vs Haiti. Regional Politics Watch: Peru’s presidential runoff is underway, with crime and instability driving a tight race between Keiko Fujimori and Roberto Sanchez. La Paz Culture: La Paz will host the region’s first AeroPress competition on July 4, with qualifiers feeding into Mexico’s national event and a 2026 world championship.

Scotland World Cup Prep: Steve Clarke’s side sent a loud message ahead of the tournament, thrashing Bolivia 4-0 in New Jersey with Lawrence Shankland, Scott McTominay and Che Adams (two) on target, leaving Clarke saying he has “fantastic problems” picking his Haiti XI after a clean sheet and no injuries. Bolivia Protests & Blockades: In Santa Cruz, police and anti-government protesters clashed as authorities tried to clear a road blocked by rural workers demanding President Rodrigo Paz’s resignation; tear gas was used and two officers were wounded by gunfire, with the road later partially reopened before protesters moved to block again. Human Rights Watch: The IACHR warned Bolivia’s protests are driving an escalation in social violence and urged dialogue, stressing any “state of exception” must follow human-rights limits. International Spotlight (Iraq): Iraq striker Aymen Hussein was held and questioned for seven hours on arrival in the US for World Cup preparations, while a team photographer was reportedly denied entry after more than 10 hours. Local Sports: Registration opened for La Paz’s 4th Annual Maja El Grande Fishing Tournament (July 11–12), with a prize pool topping 1 million pesos.

Bolivia Protests Turn Violent: Police and anti-government protesters clashed in Santa Cruz as authorities tried to reopen a road blocked by rural workers demanding President Rodrigo Paz’s resignation; tear gas was used, stones and burning tires flew, and two officers were wounded by gunfire before security forces withdrew and protesters blocked the highway again. Humanitarian Strain in La Paz: With blockades stretching for weeks, hundreds of residents in La Paz queued in near-freezing temperatures for affordable chicken as food and medicine shortages deepen. Scotland vs Bolivia Warm-Up (New Jersey): Scotland arrived in the U.S. for their final tune-up before Haiti, visiting the 9/11 Memorial in Manhattan ahead of the match in Harrison; Steve Clarke is expected to use substitutions and focus on getting used to heat and humidity. World Cup Prep Notes: Scotland’s Lewis Ferguson said he’s relishing his first World Cup after Billy Gilmour’s knee injury ruled him out, while ticket and access complaints continue to swirl around the tournament. Coolcation Travel Trend: Travel And Tour World released a 2026 “coolcation” ranking for the Americas and Caribbean, placing Canada, the U.S., and Mexico at the top and listing Bolivia among the featured destinations.

Bolivia Crisis: The U.S. and the Shield of the Americas coalition condemned “ongoing efforts” to overthrow President Rodrigo Paz, while Rubio said Washington is ramping up emergency assistance and logistics support as blockades fuel food and medical shortages. Protests & State Response: Paz kept dialogue as the priority but left open the possibility of a state of exception as road blockades and unrest drag on, with El Alto and other regions still tense. Local Impact & Divide: Reporting from La Paz describes a widening racial and economic split, with graffiti and online messages trading blame between wealthy southern neighborhoods and Indigenous protesters. Drugs & Security: In another regional security push, authorities reported arrests and major drug seizures in the Dominican Republic. World Cup Build-Up (Bolivia-Scotland): Scotland coach Steve Clarke warned not to underestimate Haiti after their 4-0 win over New Zealand, as Scotland prepare for a final warm-up against Bolivia in New Jersey amid injury fallout.

Bolivia Protests & Shortages: The U.S. says it’s ramping up emergency help for embattled President Rodrigo Paz as road blockades fuel acute food, fuel, and medical shortages, while U.S. defense officials warn against attempts to topple the government. Bolivia Crisis Escalation: Paz has moved toward a state-of-emergency style response as protests drag on and ministers resign, with analysts warning the blockade standoff could tip into civilian clashes. Scotland vs Bolivia (World Cup Prep): Scotland is in New Jersey for its final warm-up before the 2026 World Cup, training at Florida Blue’s top facility and set to face Bolivia on June 6 as Steve Clarke fine-tunes his lineup. Sports & Transfers: Ahead of the match, Scotland’s camp is buzzing with World Cup momentum, including Rangers striker Lawrence Shankland’s confidence boost and Tottenham’s Andy Robertson signing. Environment Watch: A new study flags extreme genetic risk for a tiny, mangrove-adapted pampas cat population in Peru, underscoring how isolated habitats can push species toward local extinction.

Bolivia Protests: Bolivia’s political crisis deepened as Defence Minister Marcelo Salinas and Education Minister Beatriz García resigned on the 33rd day of blockades and demonstrations demanding President Rodrigo Paz step down, with the government weighing a state of exception that could authorize military action against dozens of roadblocks. U.S. Support: In a call, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio told Paz Washington is ramping up emergency assistance and logistics support to address food and medical shortages caused by the roadblocks. Security Rhetoric: U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warned against any attempt to overthrow Paz and linked the unrest to “narco-terrorists,” escalating the international security framing of the standoff. La Paz Spotlight: La Paz is among the hardest-hit areas as blockades keep disrupting daily life, with municipalities pushing anti-blockade measures to protect access to health care, work, and movement. World Cup Build-Up: Scotland coach Steve Clarke said Ben Gannon-Doak is “rusty” ahead of a warm-up vs Bolivia, while goalkeeper Angus Gunn says he’s in “great shape” despite limited club minutes.

Bolivia Protests Escalate: President Rodrigo Paz is pushing a “state of exception” bill that would let the military and police intervene against road blockades, as two ministers quit and shortages keep hitting La Paz and other cities. Cabinet Shake-Up: Defense Minister Marcelo Salinas and Education Minister Beatriz Garcia resigned after refusing to sign the decree, with Ernesto Justiniano named to replace Salinas. Blockades and Food/Fuel Strain: Thousands queued for essentials like chicken, while unions and peasant groups say the move is meant to crush dissent and demand Paz’s exit. World Cup Build-Up (Bolivia in Focus): Bolivia’s pre-Scotland plans took a hit as key players were blocked from playing due to release/visa issues. Global Watch: Spain hosts Iraq in a World Cup warm-up, while a new study highlights how children’s hope and wellbeing can grow through supportive relationships and faith.

Bolivia Crisis: President Rodrigo Paz sent a state-of-exception bill to Congress, seeking legal cover for military and police action to end weeks of road blockades and restore supplies to La Paz and El Alto; the move follows the resignation of two ministers and comes as protests demand Paz’s exit. Defense Leadership: Ernesto Justiniano was named defense minister, promising to clear roadblocks and restore normalcy while keeping dialogue open. Public Safety & Health: PAHO warned that measles is surging across the Americas as the World Cup nears, urging tighter surveillance and vaccination access—Bolivia is among countries reporting cases linked to outbreaks or imports. La Paz Sustainability: La Paz was added to an international program promoting home composting and organic waste management, with municipal officials highlighting progress at transfer and eco-park facilities. Sports (Bolivia in focus): FIFA’s new World Cup rules on time-wasting and match conduct are forcing teams to adjust quickly ahead of warm-ups, including Scotland’s final tune-up against Bolivia.

Bolivia Crisis: President Rodrigo Paz’s government is in deeper turmoil as protests and road blockades drag on for nearly a month, with analysts warning the standoff could tip into clashes between urban and rural communities; the defense minister resigned and a new defense minister Ernesto Justiniano pledged to reopen roads and restore supplies, while La Paz and El Alto continue to feel the economic hit. Health Watch: The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) says measles is surging across the Americas, with more than 20,000 confirmed cases and 25 deaths this year, and urges countries preparing for the 2026 World Cup to tighten surveillance, vaccination checks, and rapid response. Church Abuse Justice: Bolivia’s court upheld convictions of two Spanish Jesuits for covering up child sexual abuse, a case tied to allegations involving “Padre Pica.” World Cup Discipline: FIFA/CAS upheld sanctions against Mexico over anti-gay chants, warning fans could face further punishment at the tournament. Sports Prep (Bolivia-linked): Bolivia’s unrest and logistics also keep affecting football plans, including players missing travel due to visa issues.

Bolivia Crisis Deepens: Bolivia’s defense minister Marcelo Salinas resigned Tuesday as weeks of anti-government protests and road blockades paralyzed major cities, driving shortages of food, medicine, fuel and pushing prices up in La Paz and El Alto. Humanitarian Emergency: La Paz declared a health and humanitarian emergency tied to blockade-linked supply failures, with officials citing risks to hospitals and warning of deaths linked to lack of timely care. Political Fallout: Reuters reports the resignation comes amid mounting calls for President Rodrigo Paz to step down, with protesters demanding an end to austerity and possible use of emergency measures. Teachers Mobilize: Education unions announced demonstrations across La Paz during a week of protests, echoing broader demands for pension, healthcare and working-condition reforms. World Cup Watch: FIFA/CAS upheld Mexico’s fines over an anti-gay chant, while the World Cup is set to kick off soon—an issue that also surfaced in 2024 cases involving Bolivia.

Bolivia Blockade Crisis: La Paz is marking a month of road blockades that have cut main routes into the administrative capital, deepening food and fuel shortages. Gas lines stretch for miles, deliveries can take days, and prices have surged on the black market; markets are also hit, with fewer butcher shops open and basic staples costing far more than in April. World Cup Build-Up (Bolivia in the spotlight): Scotland’s final warm-up before the 2026 World Cup is set against Bolivia in New Jersey, with the match scheduled for June 6 and broadcast details circulating as teams fine-tune squads. FIFA Discipline (Bolivia mentioned in cases): The Court of Arbitration for Sport upheld FIFA fines on Mexico over a homophobic chant, in a ruling that also references similar incidents involving Bolivia and other teams in 2024. Tech & Money: Meta is rolling out paid subscription tiers across Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp, while MoneyGram launched a dollar stablecoin (MGUSD) on Stellar to expand app-based cross-border payments.

Bolivia Protests: President Rodrigo Paz said the blockade and political crisis could end “in the coming days,” urging reconciliation while unions and the COB keep roadblocks but open a humanitarian corridor for food, fuel, and medical supplies. Local Safety: La Paz firefighters issued a bee-swarm safety alert, stressing that crews prioritize relocating bees and advising residents to stop moving if swarmed. Business Climate: TMF Group’s Global Business Complexity Index flags Bolivia among the world’s hardest places for foreign firms to comply with shifting rules and unpredictable policymaking. Indigenous Media: Cultural Survival announced 2026 Indigenous Community Media Fund partners, with Bolivia included among countries receiving support to strengthen community media. World Cup Build-Up: Bolivia’s warm-up vs Scotland in New Jersey is set for discounted $25 tickets for a limited number of fans. Environment & Science: A satellite photo of Bolivia’s Laguna Colorada shows rusty-orange “bleeding” water from algae and hypersaline salt beds, highlighting how conditions shape the lagoon’s color.

Bolivia Protest Crisis: The Bolivian Workers’ Confederation (COB) voted to keep nationwide road blockades going and rejected dialogue with President Rodrigo Paz’s government, as La Paz remains effectively cut off and shortages worsen after weeks of unrest. World Cup Warm-Up Tickets: Scotland’s pre-tournament friendly against Bolivia in New Jersey (June 6) will offer limited USD 25 tickets, with 2,000 seats priced at the discount, as part of a host-city partnership ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026. Colombia Election Shock: Hard-right candidate Abelardo de la Espriella (“El Tigre”) won Colombia’s first presidential round and will face leftist Iván Cepeda in a June 21 runoff, a result analysts say could shift regional security and U.S.-aligned cooperation. Workers’ Rights Watch: A new ITUC Global Rights Index ranks Argentina among the world’s worst for workers’ rights, adding pressure to labor reforms across the region. Community Support: Summer free meals are set to continue for youth in Yuma and La Paz, aiming to keep children fed during school break.

Bolivia Protests: The COB (Bolivian Workers’ Confederation) meeting in La Paz voted to keep protest blockades going and rejected the government’s dialogue push, as the standoff drags on and the capital remains effectively cut off. National Crisis: Blockades are now reported across six departments with 89 active roadblocks, worsening shortages of food, fuel, and essentials and deepening political tensions. Human Toll: Coverage says at least six deaths are linked to the unrest, with dozens injured and nearly 90 arrested, while negotiations remain stalled. World Cup Build-Up (Bolivia-linked): In international sports, Scotland’s final World Cup warm-up is set against Bolivia on June 6, after Billy Gilmour was ruled out by injury and Tyler Fletcher was called up. Regional Politics: Colombia’s far-right Abelardo de la Espriella won the first round and will face Iván Cepeda in a June runoff, a race seen as part of a wider conservative shift across Latin America.