Bolivia President Rodrigo Paz Declares State of Exception as Road Blockades Ease

President Rodrigo Paz announced a nationwide state of exception after more than 50 days of protests that blocked major highways across Bolivia. The decree, approved by the Legislative Assembly, authorises the armed forces to assist police in reopening roads, imposes a curfew in selected areas and bans further blockades. On the same day the government sealed an agreement with the Central Obrera Boliviana (COB), which prompted the withdrawal of many blockades. Official counts show blockades falling from over 80 at the peak to around 12‑31 within days, allowing fuel trucks and other convoys to reach La Paz and other cities. Human‑rights groups report at least 16‑17 deaths linked to the blockade‑induced shortages, 365 arrests and dozens of injuries. The crisis has disrupted food, fuel and medicine supplies and is estimated to have caused economic losses of several billion dollars. “Tomamos la decisión de declarar el estado de excepción en todo el territorio nacional,” Paz said in a televised address. Local leaders, including Cochabamba mayor Manfred Reyes Villa, voiced support for the measure, urging the restoration of free circulation and the rebuilding of the economy.