Bolivian premier offers to resign amid crippling street protests

BOLIVIAN President Carlos Mesa has offered to resign, his 19-month-old government unravelling amid weeks of protests that have paralysed the capital.

The announcement came after Israel said it would evacuate dozens of young Israelis - mainly backpackers - from La Paz because of the protests.

In a nationally televised address, Mr Mesa said he was submitting his resignation to congress, the second time this year he has offered to step down because of the street demonstrations.

“This is as far as I can go,” Mesa said. “It is my decision as president to present my resignation.”

It was not immediately clear when congressional leaders would meet to consider Mr Mesa’s offer and it remained uncertain if lawmakers will accept his resignation.

Mr Mesa, a historian and journalist turned politician, is an independent without a political party supporting him in congress.

The president made a similar offer in March amid rising street protests that led him to say the country had become “ungovernable”.

But lawmakers voted to reject it at the time.

Mr Mesa’s current decision came hours after protesters had paralysed downtown La Paz in their largest anti-government march in weeks amid calls for early elections.

Long lines of demonstrators snaked down from poor hilltop slums above the capital into La Paz.

Disgruntled miners created thunderous booms by tossing dynamite sticks.

The raucous but largely peaceful demonstrations mark the fourth week of a swelling crisis that has seen protesters throw up road blockades, triggering gas and food shortages.

Riot police fired volleys of tear gas to chase rock-throwing protesters away from the Government Palace.

At least 22 arrests were reported but there were no reports on injuries.