Bolivian authorities say no active blockades after state of emergency decree

Bolivian President Rodrigo Paz declared a 90-day state of emergency on Saturday and deployed soldiers and bulldozers to clear anti-government roadblocks. For over six weeks, unions, Indigenous groups, and coca farmers have protested the conservative government's liberal economic reforms, causing severe shortages and economic losses. The state of emergency curtails protest rights and allows military deployment domestically. While some residents welcomed the clearing of blockades, some Indigenous groups vow to continue their protests, demanding Paz's resignation. Paz has accused former president Evo Morales of orchestrating the protests, and the interior minister has not ruled out an operation to apprehend Morales, who denies charges against him.

Bolivian President Rodrigo Paz has declared a 90-day state of emergency to address ongoing protests and blockades that have disrupted food and fuel supplies for 50 days. The declaration grants the military the power to remove barricades erected on key roads, which have effectively isolated the capital, La Paz. President Paz stated the emergency is intended to restore order and freedom by ensuring fuel supplies and reopening roads, characterizing the blockades as an organized attempt to destabilize democracy rather than a social protest. The decree prohibits blocking transportation and supplies and orders the armed forces to support the police in restoring order and protecting the population. These protests, triggered by austerity measures including the cancellation of fuel subsidies, have resulted in violent confrontations, leading to 365 arrests and 37 injuries.

Bolivian President Luis Arce has declared a state of emergency following weeks of anti-government protests that have disrupted daily life and caused shortages of basic goods. The protests, which began in late April, were initially triggered by a proposed land reform that critics feared would benefit large landowners, a reform President Arce has since scrapped. However, other groups have joined the demonstrations, expressing grievances over measures such as cuts to fuel subsidies and proposed constitutional changes. The President stated that blockades were preventing citizens from working, studying, receiving medical care, and obtaining essential supplies. While a deal has reportedly been struck with the Bolivian Workers' Confederation, some Indigenous groups have indicated they will continue their protests, with roadblocks remaining in place.

Bolivian President Rodrigo Paz declared a state of emergency on Saturday to address ongoing protests that have disrupted the economy for 50 days. This declaration grants him expanded constitutional powers, including the ability to deploy the armed forces to clear blockades. The protests, largely supported by allies of former President Evo Morales, have obstructed key roads, leading to shortages of essential supplies like food, fuel, and medicine in various regions, including La Paz. The state of emergency takes effect immediately, but President Paz must inform Congress within 24 hours, and Congress has up to 72 hours to approve or reject the measure.