Bolivia's President Declares State of Emergency Amidst Blockade Crisis

Bolivia's President Rodrigo Paz has declared a nationwide state of emergency, granting him expanded constitutional powers to quell over six weeks of persistent protests and road blockades that have crippled essential supplies. The move aims to enable the military and police to forcibly clear obstructions and restore order.

The ongoing demonstrations, largely supported by former President Evo Morales' allies, have severely disrupted the flow of food, fuel, and medicines to major cities, including the capital, La Paz. While the president announced a deal with the Bolivian Workers' Confederation (COB) on Friday intended to ease tensions, key road networks remain under the control of rural associations aligned with Morales, who were not part of the negotiations and continue their protests, particularly around Cochabamba.

President Paz stated that the emergency is not intended to restrict citizens' lives but rather to "give freedom back to the people" by removing those who use political conflict to block roads and harm the population. He warned that continued disruptions would lead to legal consequences. The conflict initially stemmed from the president's decision to cut long-standing fuel subsidies to address a worsening fiscal deficit and dollar shortage, a move that intensified into broader discontent encompassing demands for wage increases and an end to shortages. The declaration requires congressional notification within 24 hours and subsequent approval within 72 hours.

“

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.