politics
Bolivian President Declares State of Emergency After Deal With Workers’ Confederation to Clear Road Blockades
President Rodrigo Paz invoked emergency powers Saturday after 50 days of protests that have halted fuel, food and medicine supplies across parts of the country.
JE
FR
France 24Audio version
Tap play to generate a narrated version.
Developing·Limited corroboration so far. This page will refresh as more sources emerge.
Bolivian President Rodrigo Paz declared a state of emergency on Saturday, granting the government wider authority to deploy the military and remove road blockades that have lasted nearly two months. ” Protesters aligned with unions and former President Evo Morales have blocked major highways, stranding trucks and cutting off deliveries of food, fuel and medicines to cities including La Paz.
The measures have halted economic activity for 50 days.
Paz announced the emergency order hours after he reached an agreement on Friday with the Bolivian Workers’ Confederation aimed at easing tensions. The original dispute began when the president ended long-standing fuel subsidies to reduce the fiscal deficit amid a shortage of dollars and negotiations with the International Monetary Fund.
The state-of-emergency powers allow armed forces to clear the blockades nationwide.
Paz said the order is intended to restore normal movement of people and goods.
