Bolivia declares state of emergency amid prolonged road blockades

President Rodolfo Paz announced a nationwide state of emergency in Bolivia in response to a six‑week social crisis marked by mass road blockades and protests that have crippled large parts of the economy. In a televised address he said the measure was taken after dialogue attempts failed, accusing some groups of resorting to violence to destabilise the country. He emphasized that the emergency is intended to restore order and normalise access to work, education, medical care and basic goods.

The government has reached agreements with the main labour federation COB, though the pact does not cover all sectors. Farmers and coca‑growers in the Chapare region continue their mobilisations, demanding broader concessions. Paz posted on X, “Bolivians cannot continue to be held hostage by blockades that stop them from working, studying, receiving medical care and putting food on the table.”