Bolivia declares state of emergency after 50 days of protests

Bolivia’s Paz Declares State of Emergency Over 50-Day Blockade

Bolivian President Rodrigo Paz declared a nationwide state of emergency on Saturday, granting broader powers to deploy the military and clear road blockades that have paralyzed the country’s economy for roughly 50 days, as weeks of escalating unrest showed no signs of abating despite a last-minute deal with the nation’s main labor union.

“After exhausting all avenues of dialogue, reaching agreements with those whose demands were legitimate, and identifying those who used violence in an attempt to destabilize Bolivia, we made the decision to declare a state of emergency across the entire national territory,” Paz said in a televised address to the nation.bssnews

A Crisis Rooted in Fuel Subsidies

The unrest began after Paz’s government cut long-standing fuel subsidies as part of efforts to reduce the fiscal deficit amid a worsening shortage of U.S. dollars and ongoing discussions with the International Monetary Fund. Although subsequent measures were taken to stabilize fuel costs and reverse unpopular land reforms, the protests expanded into broader discontent, with unions demanding wage increases, a resolution to fuel and dollar scarcities, and Paz’s resignation.france24

Demonstrators — many allied with former leftist President Evo Morales — have obstructed critical roadways, stranding trucks and cutting off supplies of food, fuel, and medicine to major cities including La Paz. The government was at one point forced to relocate from the capital as blockades tightened.apnews

Deal With Labor, Then Emergency Powers

The declaration came just hours after Paz unveiled a deal reached on Friday with the Bolivian Workers’ Confederation (COB), the country’s primary labor union, in what was described as a step toward resolving the crisis. But the agreement apparently failed to satisfy protest groups demanding Paz’s departure.investing

“It is a state of emergency to give freedom back to the people, to free Bolivia from those who use political conflict to block roads and harm the population,” Paz said.dw

Constitutional and Humanitarian Dimensions

The path to Saturday’s declaration followed weeks of legal preparation. Bolivia’s Congress passed a law in early June easing requirements for declaring states of emergency, which Paz signed on June 8. The United States said on June 4 it was ramping up emergency assistance to Bolivia to address food and medical shortages amid the unrest.bloomberg

The emergency decree grants Paz enhanced constitutional powers to restore order, including the authority to deploy armed forces to clear blockades. France 24 reported the declaration takes immediate effect, with Congress required to review the measure. The crisis has left at least 10 dead and dozens injured, according to reports earlier this month, though more recent tolls remain unclear as the situation continues to evolve.instagram