Bolivia declares state of exception, seeks to lift blockades

The Bolivian government, led by President Rodrigo Paz, announced a state of exception after more than 50 days of road blockades and shortages triggered by a general strike organized by the Central Obrera Boliviana (COB). Governor Edgar Sánchez of Oruro said the measure was unavoidable because dialogue had been exhausted and urged protestors to end the blockades now that the COB has signed a peace agreement.

Deputy Edgar Zegarra of Potosí criticized the pact between the government and the COB, arguing that it grants the union powers that conflict with the constitution. Zegarra announced he will pursue legal action against COB executives, including secretary‑executive Mario Argollo, and called for the resignation of the current cabinet and a complete renewal of the union’s leadership. While denouncing the protests as politically motivated and linked to illicit financing, he reaffirmed his support for the state of exception as necessary to restore normalcy.