Bolivia Declares State of Emergency Amidst Widespread Road Blockades

Bolivian President Rodrigo Paz declared a state of emergency early Wednesday, escalating a crisis marked by 50 days of road blockades and mass mobilizations that have paralyzed large parts of the Andean nation's economy. The decision, announced in an address to the nation, authorizes the deployment of the armed forces domestically to restore order.

This move comes just hours after Paz announced an agreement with the country's main labor union confederation, COB. However, this deal does not encompass all protesting sectors. Farmer organizations and coca growers in the Chapare region, a stronghold of former President Evo Morales, continue their demonstrations. They feel betrayed by the agreement reached by Mario Arista and the COB, according to Unitel television.

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We have decided to harden the road blockades.

Antonio Malcu, a leader representing Bolivian market vendors, told Unitel that their groups have decided to intensify the road blockades. "We have decided to harden the road blockades," he stated, adding that "our indigenous brothers feel betrayed."

The ongoing protests, which began approximately 50 days ago, have severely disrupted economic activity across Bolivia. The state of emergency grants the government broader powers to quell the unrest and clear the blockaded routes, which have become a primary tactic for various social and labor groups demanding concessions.

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the indigenous brothers feel betrayed.