Bolivia’s President, Rodrigo Paz, has declared a state of emergency on Saturday following weeks of mass anti-government protests sparked by rising living costs and worsening economic pressure, which have now escalated into a broader political crisis.
The protests, backed by workers’ unions and farmers, are demanding his resignation.
According to Reuters, road blockades across the country have disrupted the movement of goods and services, leading to shortages of food, fuel, and medical supplies in several areas.
The unrest has also brought economic activity to a near standstill over the past 50 days.
In a national address, Paz said, “I have arranged for the implementation of the State of Exception to free the country’s roads.”
He added, “Bolivians cannot continue to be hostages of blockades that prevent working, studying, receiving medical attention, supplying themselves, and bringing sustenance to their homes.”
The measure allows for the deployment of the military to restore order and reopen blocked roads nationwide.
Paz also stated that the state of emergency is intended to “restore” normalcy across Bolivia as authorities move to end the prolonged disruption.
