Bolivia declares emergency over blockade crisis
The crisis in Bolivia intensified further when President Rodrigo Paz declared a state of emergency that allows for broader military deployments to clear blockades and restore order after protests that have brought the economy to a halt over the past 50 days.
Saturday’s emergency declaration gives Paz broader constitutional tools to restore order, such as sending armed forces to clear blockades.
Although the order takes effect immediately, the president must notify Congress of the state of emergency within 24 hours of the executive order being issued; After that, there is up to 72 hours to approve or reject the measure.
Protesting groups, many of them allies of former leftist president Evo Morales, have blocked major roads to many areas, including La Paz, stranding trucks and blocking supplies of food, fuel and medicine.
The conflict first erupted after Paz abruptly cut long-running fuel subsidies and held talks with the International Monetary Fund to shrink the deficit amid a worsening dollar contraction.
Despite subsequent steps to stabilize fuel prices and reverse unpopular land reforms, the protests intensified into wider discontent, with unions demanding wage increases, an end to fuel and dollar shortages, and Paz’s resignation.
Paz’s declaration came as a vivid message to the nation just hours after he announced an agreement on Friday aimed at easing tensions with the main union, the Bolivian Labor Confederation.
But many roads connecting the South American country’s main manufacturing hub are under the control of rural associations loyal to Morales, who are not part of the negotiations and continue to protest mainly in the Cochabamba region.
Paz said the crisis had turned into an organized attempt to destabilize democracy after weeks of violence and blockades.
He said the state of emergency aims to restore order, protect citizens and ensure the flow of essential goods, while warning that those continuing disruptions would face legal consequences.
“This is not a state of emergency to restrict people’s lives… This is a state of emergency to give freedom back to the people, to liberate Bolivia from those who use political conflict to block roads and harm the people,” Paz said. he said.
