Bolivia has declared a nationwide state of emergency after weeks of anti-government protests and road blockades triggered by rising living costs, fuel shortages and worsening economic conditions.
The unrest has evolved into a major political crisis that has disrupted transport networks, strained supplies and brought parts of the country to a standstill.
President Rodrigo Paz announced the emergency measures on Saturday after nearly 50 days of demonstrations led by labor unions, farmers and supporters of former president Evo Morales. Protesters are demanding Paz’s resignation, accusing his government of failing to address the country’s deepening economic difficulties.
Road blockades on key highways have caused shortages of food, fuel and medical supplies in several regions while severely impacting economic activity. In a televised address, Paz said the government had exhausted all avenues for dialogue before resorting to emergency powers, which will allow the military and police to clear roads and restore public order.
Paz defended the move as necessary to restore normalcy, saying organized groups were using violence to paralyze the country. He said the government had reached agreements with groups that had legitimate demands but decided to impose a state of exception after identifying attempts to destabilize Bolivia. The declaration follows legislation signed last month authorizing the armed forces to intervene in internal conflicts.
The protests began in May after the government reduced long-standing fuel subsidies in an effort to curb the fiscal deficit. The decision intensified public frustration over soaring inflation, shortages of fuel and foreign currency, and declining revenues from natural gas exports. Bolivia is currently facing its most severe economic crisis in decades, with inflation at a 40-year high and foreign reserves under increasing pressure.
The crisis represents a significant challenge for Paz, who took office seven months ago after ending nearly two decades of rule by the leftist Movement for Socialism (MAS). In addition to demanding his resignation, protesters are calling for higher wages and urgent measures to address fuel scarcity and limited access to U.S. dollars.
As security forces prepare to remove blockades and reopen transport routes, attention is focused on whether the emergency measures will restore stability or deepen political tensions.
