Bolivia declares state of emergency amid blockade crisis

Bolivian President Rodrigo Paz has declared a state of emergency, granting the military the authority to dismantle blockades that have severely disrupted food and fuel supplies across the country. This drastic measure follows 50 days of persistent protests against the president's austerity policies, which have brought the economy to a standstill and effectively isolated the administrative capital, La Paz.

In a televised address early Saturday, Paz framed the state of emergency not as a restriction on citizens' lives, but as a means to restore their freedom. He stated that the antigovernment blockades had evolved beyond social protest into an organized effort to destabilize Bolivia's democracy. The decree is specifically intended to ensure the flow of essential supplies, particularly fuel, which has been critically impacted by roadblocks stranding tanker trucks.

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This is not a state of emergency to restrict people’s lives. It is a state of emergency to give people back their freedom.

The government statement indicates the decree will remain in effect for 90 days, with the possibility of an earlier lifting if "violence and threats against the population come to an end." The decree explicitly prohibits "blocking streets, avenues, roads and highways in ways that affect transportation and supplies." It also mandates the armed forces to provide temporary support to the police in restoring order, reopening roads, and protecting the population.

Protests erupted over the past five weeks, primarily targeting Paz's austerity measures, including the cancellation of fuel subsidies. These demonstrations have led to violent confrontations, resulting in 365 arrests and 37 injuries, according to authorities. Tragically, at least 17 people have died, many linked to a lack of medical care due to transportation disruptions, as reported by Bolivia's ombudsman's office and human rights organizations. Businesses have closed, supermarket shelves have emptied, and hospitals have faced oxygen shortages amid the ongoing crisis.

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blocking streets, avenues, roads and highways in ways that affect transportation and supplies