Bolivia President Rodrigo Paz signs law permitting troops to clear protest blockades

Bolivia’s legislature approved a law that authorises President Rodrigo Paz to deploy the military to remove roadblocks set up by anti‑government protesters. The measure grants soldiers a presumption of legality for actions taken in “conflict situations,” effectively easing the use of force against demonstrators.

The protests, which began over the president’s removal of fuel subsidies and rising inflation, have led to dozens of roadblocks that have disrupted transport and caused shortages of food, fuel and medicines. Clashes with police have resulted in tear‑gas deployments, arrests, several deaths and injuries. Paz has urged restraint but warned that the law is needed to protect the country from “narco‑terrorism” behind the unrest.