Bolivia has declared a state of emergency after more than 50 days of protests and road blockades disrupted transport, trade and supplies across the country.
President Rodrigo Paz said the emergency measures would allow broader military deployment to clear blockades, restore the movement of essential goods and maintain public order. Under Bolivia’s constitution, Congress must be notified within 24 hours and has up to 72 hours to approve or reject the decree.
“This is not a state of emergency to restrict people’s lives … 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.
Key developments:
- State of emergency grants wider powers to clear road blockades.
- Declaration came hours after a deal was struck on Friday (19 Jun) with the main union, the Bolivian Workers’ Confederation (COB).
- However, many roads connecting the Bolivia’s main production center are under the control of rural associations aligned with former president Evo Morales, who were not a part of the negotiations and are continuing to protest mainly in the area of Cochabamba.
The protests began after fuel subsidy reforms aimed at addressing fiscal pressures and later widened to include demands over wages, fuel and dollar shortages, and President Paz’s resignation.
ℹ️ Reuters
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