Bolivia President Rodrigo Paz declares state of emergency to end road blockades

President Rodrigo Paz announced a state of emergency in Bolivia after five weeks of anti‑government protests that blocked major highways, disrupting food, fuel, medical supplies and oxygen. The decree, which must be validated by the legislature within 72 hours, bans road blockades and authorises the armed forces to assist police in restoring order, reopening routes and protecting the population. Authorities reported no active blockades the day after the decree, citing agreements reached in Santa Cruz and La Paz, though many roads still require cleaning and repairs. The protests began on 6 May when a coalition of farmers, the Central Workers' Union (COB), indigenous groups and supporters of former President Evo Morales demanded Paz’s resignation. Blockades spread to eight of nine departments, causing economic losses exceeding $3 billion, 365 arrests, 37 injuries and at least 17 deaths linked to disrupted medical care.