LA PAZ, Bolivia (AP) President Rodrigo Paz declared a state of emergency on Saturday, granting the military extensive powers to remove road blockades that have severely disrupted fuel and food supplies across Bolivia's capital and other major cities. This decision comes amidst a wave of protests that have taken place over the past five weeks, with demonstrators demanding Paz's resignation in response to the austerity measures introduced by his government, including the cancellation of longstanding fuel subsidies.
The protests have led to violent clashes between protesters, some armed with dynamite, and riot police, resulting in at least 365 arrests and 37 injuries, as reported by authorities. The ombudsman’s office and human rights organizations have stated that at least 17 people have died, primarily due to a lack of medical care amid transportation obstacles. The barricades erected on key roads have effectively isolated the city of La Paz, causing fuel and food shortages and preventing patients from reaching hospitals, which has resulted in at least seven additional fatalities attributed to a lack of medical attention.
Paz, in a televised address to the nation, maintained that the state of emergency aims to restore people's freedom rather than restrict it. The ongoing protests have led to businesses shutting down, supermarket shelves being emptied, and hospitals running out of oxygen. While Paz managed to sign an agreement with one of the labor unions to lift the blockades, other factions among the protesters continue to demand his resignation and refuse to engage in negotiations.
The state of emergency is intended to ensure fuel supplies, which have grown increasingly scarce due to the blockades, leaving countless tanker trucks stranded. The government’s decree explicitly prohibits blocking streets, avenues, roads, and highways in a manner that affects transportation and supply chains. Furthermore, it tasks the armed forces with temporarily supporting police efforts to restore order, reopen roads, and protect the population. Importantly, the decree does not curtail due process rights or constitutional guarantees, allowing individuals to continue their daily activities. The state of emergency is set to last 90 days but may be lifted earlier should violence and threats against the population cease.
Paz assumed office in November 2022, ending nearly 20 years of uninterrupted governance by Bolivia's Movement Toward Socialism party (MAS). He was elected on a centrist platform, promising to resolve ongoing fuel shortages and replenish the central bank's dwindling coffers while maintaining the social welfare programs that had bolstered MAS's popularity. However, his austerity measures, including the elimination of fuel subsidies, have sparked intense inflation and discontent among the populace. Although his administration achieved some level of fuel supply restoration, it did so with low-quality gasoline, causing damage to thousands of vehicles. Moreover, economic reforms aimed at fostering foreign investment and stimulating growth have been stalled in Congress.
Indigenous and rural worker groups, who were previously supportive of MAS but assisted in Paz's rise to power, have been at the forefront of the protests. They accuse his administration of neglecting their needs since taking office. Paz is now facing mounting pressure from both Bolivia's right-wing factions, which dominate Congress, and from former left-wing allies. Former President Evo Morales, who is currently avoiding arrest for charges related to statutory rape, has openly supported the protests and demanded new elections.
The Trump administration in the United States has lent its support to Paz, particularly in light of his efforts to repair relations with Washington after Morales's tenure marked by anti-Western sentiment. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently informed Paz that the U.S. is enhancing emergency assistance and logistical support to address shortages caused by blockades. Additionally, U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth characterized the protests as attempts to destabilize the legitimate government and issued a warning regarding those profiting from chaos in the region.
