STORY: Protests in La Paz. Bolivian police used tear gas to disperse a protest by teachers on Wednesday. Hundreds took to the streets to demand an increase in the education sector budget. The teachers demonstrated in the third week. Riot police fired rubber bullets at the demonstrators, who in turn threw firecrackers and objects at the officers. “We are demanding a 30 percent increase in the education budget because the government only gives us 10 percent. The talks broke down yesterday and today the clashes with the police have intensified. All we want is an improvement in the quality of education Teachers have called for a general strike and road blockade on Friday (March 24) if President Luis Arce’s government does not heed their demands.