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Bolivians win democratic control of the country's gas reserves, 2003-2005

Summary

Between September 2003 and June 2005, tens of thousands of Bolivians, mostly indigenous, protested against the export of natural gas and demanded nationalization of the country’s hydrocarbon resources. The campaign forced two presidents to resign and culminated in the election of Evo Morales, who fully nationalized the hydrocarbon industry in 2006. The movement used strikes, roadblocks, marches, and occupations to achieve its goals. [source: nv-database]

Tactics used

Tactics used

  • unknown

Background

Bolivia has significant natural gas reserves, but historically the wealth from these resources was exported with little benefit to the country, concentrating in a few mostly white hands. Tens of thousands of activists, primarily indigenous, sought to nationalize the gas reserves and end exportation, especially to Chile, a historic enemy. The campaign targeted the Bolivian government and its policies favoring foreign exploitation. [source: nv-database]

What happened

On September 19, 2003, 50,000 protesters descended on La Paz and 30,000 on Cochabamba to oppose a pipeline to Chile, blocking streets and setting up roadblocks. [source: nv-database] After a week, President Gonzalo Sánchez de Lozada called for dialogue, but protesters ignored him [source: nv-database]. On September 29, unions initiated a general strike demanding the president’s resignation, expanding roadblocks and marches. [source: nv-database] The strike cut off La Paz from supplies, and the government declared martial law in El Alto on October 13, leading to violent clashes and dozens of deaths [source: nv-database]. On October 14, Sánchez de Lozada halted the pipeline plan and called for a referendum, but protesters continued demanding his resignation. [source: nv-database] He resigned on October 18, and Vice President Carlos Mesa took over, promising a referendum and a non-partisan cabinet [source: nv-database]. Protests resumed in March 2004 when Mesa failed to meet demands, and on April 21 he signed a gas export deal with Argentina, sparking new demonstrations. [source: nv-database] A referendum on July 18, 2004, approved continued export, calming the situation temporarily [source: nv-database]. In October 2004, Parliament passed a bill giving the state partial ownership of oil and gas resources. [source: nv-database] The campaign escalated again in January 2005 with a general strike and roadblocks demanding Mesa’s resignation and full nationalization. [source: nv-database] On March 7, Mesa offered to resign, but Parliament rejected it. [source: nv-database] After further protests and a new hydrocarbon law in May, Mesa resigned again on June 7, and Parliament accepted. [source: nv-database] Eduardo Rodriguez became interim president, and a truce was agreed on June 13, ending the campaign [source: nv-database]. In December 2005, Evo Morales was elected president, and on May 1, 2006, he signed a law fully nationalizing the hydrocarbon industry [source: nv-database].

Key people & organizations

  • Movimiento al Socialismo (MAS)
  • Evo Morales
  • Felipe Quispe
  • National Coordination for the Defense of Gas
  • Bolivian Labor Federation (COB)
  • El Alto Regional Labor Federation (COR)
  • Santa Cruz Departmental Labor Federation (COD)
  • Single Trade Union Confederation of Bolivian Peasant Workers (CSUTCB)
  • Mineworkers’ Federation of Bolivia
  • Gonzalo Sánchez de Lozada
  • Carlos Mesa
  • Jaime Solares
  • Eduardo Rodriguez

Outcome

Verdict: won.

The campaign achieved all six of its specific demands, including the resignation of two presidents and eventual full nationalization of the hydrocarbon industry. The movement survived, grew significantly, and ultimately led to the election of its leader Evo Morales, who implemented the core goal of nationalization. [source: nv-database]

Lessons

  • Sustained nonviolent disruption, such as roadblocks and general strikes, can force political change even against a determined government.
  • Broad coalition-building across indigenous groups, unions, and urban workers amplifies pressure and makes a movement harder to ignore.
  • A clear, escalating set of demands helps maintain momentum and adapt to changing political circumstances.

Sources

Disclaimer: Included as a teaching example of campaign craft, not as endorsement.

Sources & verification

  • nv-database — grounding: primary — license: link-only
  • Rewritten: 2026-07-04 via worker_casestudies_v2.py

Last verified: 2026-07-09