Bolivia President Rodrigo Paz declares state of emergency amid road blockades

Protests erupted in early May 2026 after President Rodrigo Paz abruptly cut long‑standing fuel subsidies, triggering a severe economic crisis and sparking nationwide road blockades. Unions, peasants and groups aligned with former President Evo Morales demanded Paz’s resignation, wage increases and an end to shortages of food, fuel and medicines. By mid‑June the blockades had lasted about 50 days, cutting off key routes around La Paz and El Alto, causing long queues at gas stations, shortages of essential goods and at least 14‑16 deaths.

On 19 June the government reached an agreement with the main trade‑union confederation, the Bolivian Workers’ Confederation (COB). The deal called for the lifting of pressure measures, a 90‑day period for the government to meet union demands, and the creation of joint working groups. The agreement was not accepted by the Túpac Katari peasant federation or Morales‑aligned coca growers, who continued to maintain blockades.

Following the agreement, President Paz declared a state of emergency on 20 June, invoking constitutional powers to deploy the armed forces to clear blockades, restore traffic and guarantee the supply of food, fuel and medicines. The decree must be reported to Congress within 24 hours and approved within 72 hours. The government estimates road‑damage losses above 100 million bolivianos and economic losses exceeding US$1.2 billion. The emergency aims to restore normalcy while warning that violators will face legal consequences.