Bolivia’s Legislature Passes Law Allowing Military to Clear Roadblocks

Bolivia’s Chamber of Deputies passed legislation on Sunday authorizing President Rodrigo Paz to deploy the military to clear roadblocks. The measure, which had already cleared the Senate, is expected to be signed into law by Paz. According to legislative records, the bill repeals a 2020 restriction on military involvement in protest situations and grants soldiers a “presumption of legality” in conflict situations, meaning their actions will be considered lawful unless proven otherwise.

About 100 roadblocks have been erected nationwide in recent weeks. Authorities said the blockades have caused shortages of food and medicine. Farmers, miners and transportation unions have led the demonstrations, which center on rising inflation, low wages and Paz’s decision to end fuel subsidies.

On Saturday, dozens of riot police supported by military vehicles fired tear gas to clear a road in the town of San Julian. Protesters responded by throwing stones and burning tires, according to an AFP reporter at the scene. Until now, the military has been limited to support roles for anti-riot police.

Paz, elected last year, has positioned himself as a pro-business leader addressing an economic crisis. The “Shield of the Americas” regional coalition issued a statement backing Paz.

“We stand with Paz’s democratic government as it fights back against attempts to drag Bolivia backwards through cynical efforts to prevent the delivery of food, medicine and other vital supplies to the Bolivian people through fake road blockades,” the alliance members said. The coalition has pledged a militaristic response to crime in Latin America.