Wheelchair protesters call for change in La Paz

SBS World News Radio: Violent clashes with police in riot gear have erupted in Bolivia, where hundreds of disabled protesters are making new demands for an increase in state benefits.

Wheelchair protesters call for change in La PazWheelchair protesters call for change in La Paz

Wheelchair protesters call for change in La Paz

The protesters, led by those in wheelchairs, want the government to change their annual benefit payment to more frequent payments.

But Ministers say the country's economic situation won't allow for these measures, describing them as "unfeasible, not sustainable and not rational".

Hundreds of disabled Bolivians have continued to hold defiant protests on the streets of La Paz.

People with disabilities travelled from across the country to pressure the government with calls to increase their state benefits.

Several police and one protester were injured after the latest demonstrations ended in violence near the government palace.

Those with disabilities currently get 1000 Bolivianos a year or about $190.

But they want the fee changed to 500 Bolivianos, about $90 per month, to help end poverty among the disabled.

Wheelchair-bound protester, Ros-mery Juanita spent 35 days travelling to La Paz, where she tied herself to a city overpass and hung suspended in her wheelchair, during the demonstration.

She vows to not back away from any efforts to have her rights recognised.

"We are going to continue with our protests because we are demanding our rights, those for people with disabilities, we have never had our rights respected. And so we are going to maintain the pressure measures until the end. As a Bolivian, I have rights to the bonanza here in Bolivia. I am Bolivian, and so I have a right to ask for what belongs to me as a Bolivian citizen."

Others are even more desperate, pleading for talks with the country's leader.

"We want dialogue. We want dialogue with the president of Bolivia. We want dialogue, please."

The government has expressed a willingness to talk, but has rejected the bid to boost financial help.

Bolivian Vice-Minister for Coordination with Social Movements, Alfredo Rada, says attempts have been made to liaise with the protesting group.

"We have tried dialogue with this group in charge on 16 occasions."

Police have previously resorted to using tear gas on the disabled protesters.

In April, a Government Minister said a monthly bonus would not be feasible, sustainable or rational according to the national government's analysis.

Mr Rada says despite the pleas, it's clear granting an increase would not be a good economic move for the country and it will not happen.

"We have been very clear and very responsible. We, truthfully, have expressed our respect for this group. We have indicated that given the economic possibilities of the country, this benefit cannot be given out, as the minister of the economy and finance and all the government has said."

The protesters say the president has not fulfilled his promise made before stepping into power, of helping the marginalised.

 

 


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By Philip Ly


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Wheelchair protesters call for change in La Paz | SBS News