Bolivian President Rodrigo Paz has declared a nationwide state of emergency, granting the military expanded authority to remove road blockades that have severely disrupted the supply of fuel, food, and medical resources across the country.
The announcement comes after five weeks of escalating protests against Paz’s government, with demonstrators demanding his resignation over austerity measures, particularly the elimination of fuel subsidies, which many Bolivians blame for rising living costs and economic hardship.
In a televised address, Paz defended the decision, saying the emergency measures were designed to restore normal life rather than restrict civil liberties.
“This is not a state of emergency to restrict people’s lives. It is a state of emergency to give people back their freedom,” he said.
The protests have resulted in widespread disruptions, particularly in and around La Paz, where barricades have isolated the administrative capital and created severe shortages of fuel and food. Transportation networks have been paralyzed, hospitals have struggled to obtain oxygen supplies, and patients have faced difficulties reaching medical facilities.
Authorities report that at least 365 people have been arrested and 37 injured during clashes between protesters and security forces. Human rights organizations and Bolivia’s ombudsman’s office estimate that at least 17 people have died during the crisis, many due to an inability to access timely medical treatment.
Under the emergency decree, blocking roads, highways, and major transportation routes is prohibited when such actions interfere with public supply chains or transportation services. The armed forces have been authorized to support police operations aimed at reopening roads, restoring order, and protecting civilians.
The government emphasized that constitutional rights and due process protections remain in effect and that citizens may continue their daily activities. The emergency declaration is set to remain in force for 90 days, although officials say it could be lifted earlier if conditions improve.
The unrest reflects broader frustrations with Bolivia’s economic challenges. Paz took office in November after ending nearly two decades of rule by the Movement Toward Socialism, which had dominated Bolivian politics for almost 20 years.
Campaigning as a centrist reformer, Paz pledged to address chronic fuel shortages, stabilize public finances, and revive economic growth while preserving key social programs. However, his administration’s decision to eliminate long-standing fuel subsidies has contributed to inflation and sparked widespread public anger.
Although fuel availability initially improved, complaints emerged about fuel quality, with many motorists reporting damage to their vehicles. Meanwhile, proposed economic reforms intended to attract foreign investment have struggled to gain traction in Congress.
Many of the current protesters come from Indigenous and rural communities that traditionally supported MAS but helped elect Paz in hopes of economic change. These groups now accuse the government of failing to address their concerns.
The crisis has also drawn in former President Evo Morales, who has backed the protests and called for new elections. Morales remains a powerful political figure despite facing an arrest warrant related to charges involving statutory rape, allegations he denies.
Internationally, the situation has attracted attention from the United States. The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed support for Paz’s government, which has sought to improve relations with Washington after years of strained ties under Morales.
Last week, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio informed Paz that the United States would increase emergency assistance and logistical support to help ease shortages caused by the blockades.
Meanwhile, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth condemned the protests as efforts to destabilize Bolivia’s elected government and warned those responsible for violence that “the United States is watching.”
The coming weeks will be critical for Bolivia as authorities attempt to reopen transportation routes, restore essential supplies, and prevent further escalation of a crisis that has exposed deep political and economic divisions within the country.
