Bolivia Declares State of Emergency, Deploys Military to Quell Protests

Bolivia's President Rodrigo Paz declared a 90-day state of emergency and deployed soldiers and bulldozers to dismantle anti-government roadblocks that have paralyzed the nation for over six weeks. Unions, Indigenous groups, and coca farmers have been protesting, blocking roads with debris, leading to severe shortages of fuel, food, and medicine in major cities and billions of dollars in economic losses.

“

Bolivians cannot continue to be held hostage by blockades that prevent them from working, studying, receiving medical care, getting supplies and bringing food to their homes.

In a predawn televised address, Paz warned protesters of "the full force of the law" and stated the emergency declaration curbs the right to protest and allows for domestic military deployment. Following his address, soldiers and police, accompanied by bulldozers, began clearing roadblocks in El Alto, with some residents expressing happiness at the return of movement. "Everything has been difficult here in El Alto during these 50-some days -- work, free movement," said Carla Butron, a 39-year-old shopkeeper.

“

This state of emergency is not intended to take away normalcy, but to restore it.

The protesters are demanding that Paz abandon liberal economic reforms and resign, despite being elected less than a year ago. While a deal was reached with one major union to end protests in exchange for a promise not to privatize state companies, some Indigenous groups have vowed to continue their actions. "We want him gone. We don't want him to be the one governing," stated Lidia Callisaya, a 42-year-old Aymara leader.

“

Everything has been difficult here in El Alto during these 50-some days -- work, free movement.

President Paz accused "narcoterrorists," particularly former president Evo Morales, of orchestrating the protests. The disruption has significantly impacted daily life, with truck drivers like Erland Richard Segovia expressing hope for a return to normalcy. "Now, at least we're seeing that traffic is starting to get back to normal," he said.

“

We want him gone. We don't want him to be the one governing.