Bolivia Declares State of Emergency as Protests Paralyze Economy

Bolivia has declared a state of emergency as the country faces economic paralysis due to prolonged road blockades by anti-government protesters.

According to Reuters on June 20 (local time), Bolivian President Rodrigo Paz announced the state of emergency during a live national address today, stating that the move is intended to clear the road blockades that have persisted for 50 days and to restore social order.

"This state of emergency is not intended to restrict the lives of the people," President Paz claimed. "It is to liberate Bolivia from those who use political conflict to block roads and harm the public, and to return freedom to the people."

With this declaration, President Paz has gained the authority to deploy the military to forcibly reopen major roads blocked by protesters.

The state of emergency takes effect immediately.

The president must notify Congress within 24 hours of the declaration, and Congress will then have 72 hours to decide whether to approve it.

Currently, protesters supporting former President Evo Morales have completely blocked key roads across Bolivia.

As a result, numerous trucks have been left stranded on the roads, and the supply of essential goods such as food, fuel, and medicine to major cities, including the capital, La Paz, has been completely halted, leading to severe shortages.

President Paz, who took office in November last year, has seen his support base collapse rapidly amid a series of setbacks, including controversies over land-related bills, the abolition of fuel subsidies, and rising inflation while pursuing pro-market reforms.

This has led to nationwide resistance from labor groups and marginalized communities, pushing his administration to the brink of collapse.

(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.