The Bolivian government has declared a state of emergency, granting military forces expanded powers to clear roadblocks that have disrupted transportation and led to shortages of fuel and food. This decision, announced by President Rodrigo Paz on June 20, comes as protests against his administration continue to escalate.
Protesters have been demonstrating for five weeks, demanding Paz’s resignation in response to austerity measures, including the removal of fuel subsidies. The unrest has resulted in significant disruptions in La Paz, the administrative capital, and other major cities, with roadblocks isolating communities and hindering access to essential services.
According to government reports, at least seven people have died due to the lack of medical assistance caused by the ongoing protests. The situation has deteriorated to the point where hospitals are running low on oxygen and supermarkets are facing empty shelves, prompting calls from some sectors of society for the president to restore order by force.
In an attempt to ease tensions, Paz signed an agreement with one labor union on June 19, which called for the removal of some blockades. However, other groups remain adamant in their demands for his resignation and have refused to engage in negotiations.
Paz stated that the state of emergency aims to ensure the supply of increasingly scarce fuel. The decree prohibits the blocking of streets and highways in ways that disrupt transportation and supply chains, allowing the military to assist police in restoring order and protecting citizens.
The emergency measures will last for 90 days but can be lifted earlier if conditions improve. Notably, the decree does not infringe upon procedural rights or constitutional guarantees, allowing citizens to continue their daily activities.
Paz took office in November 2025, ending nearly two decades of uninterrupted governance by the Movement for Socialism (MAS) party, which had plunged the country into a deep economic crisis. While he promised to address chronic fuel shortages, his austerity measures have exacerbated inflation and stalled reforms aimed at attracting foreign investment.
The protests are primarily led by indigenous highland and rural labor groups that previously supported MAS but helped Paz ascend to power last year. These groups now accuse his government of neglecting their needs, facing pressure from both far-right factions in Congress and leftist groups. Former President Evo Morales, who is currently in hiding from an arrest warrant, has voiced support for the protests and called for new elections.
The Trump administration had previously backed Paz, who sought to mend relations with the U.S. after years of hostility under Morales. Last week, Secretary of State Marco Rubio informed Paz that Washington is increasing emergency aid and logistical support to alleviate the shortages. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth described the protests as attempts to overthrow a legitimate government and warned against those profiting from the chaos.
Bolivia's President Rodrigo Paz has declared a state of emergency, empowering military forces to remove roadblocks amid ongoing protests against fuel shortages and austerity measures. The unrest has led to significant disruptions and fatalities, as calls for Paz's resignation grow louder.
Source: AP