Bolivia’s crisis intensified on Saturday as President Rodrigo Paz declared a state of emergency, enabling wider military deployment to clear blockades and restore order after protests brought the economy to a halt over the past 50 days.

Protests and Blockades

Protesting groups, many allied to former leftist President Evo Morales, have cut off key roads, stranding trucks and choking supplies of food, fuel, and medicines to many areas, including La Paz.

The conflict initially erupted after Paz abruptly cut long-standing fuel subsidies to shrink the deficit, amid a worsening dollar crunch and talks with the International Monetary Fund. Despite later steps to stabilize fuel prices and reverse unpopular land reforms, protests intensified into broader discontent, with unions demanding wage increases, an end to fuel and dollar shortages, and Paz’s resignation.

Paz said the crisis had evolved into an organized attempt to destabilize democracy after weeks of violence and blockades. He said the state of emergency aims to restore order, protect citizens, and ensure the flow of essential goods, while warning that those continuing disruptions would face legal consequences.

Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.