Bolivia’s President Rodrigo Paz declared a state of emergency Saturday, after weeks of anti-government protests over rising living costs and economic pressure that have since grown into an escalating political crisis.
Protests, backed by workers unions, farmers and supporters of former President Evo Morales, are demanding Paz resign. Road blockades have caused shortages of food, fuel and medical supplies in parts of the country and ground the economy to a halt over the past 50 days.
“I have arranged for the implementation of the State of Exception to free the country’s roads,” Paz said in an address to the nation. “Bolivians cannot continue to be hostages of blockades that prevent working, studying, receiving medical attention, supplying themselves, and bringing sustenance to their homes.”
The president said the move clears the way for the military and police to restore order.
The current unrest first erupted in May after Paz cut long-standing fuel subsidies to shrink the deficit. Bolivia’s crisis-hit economy is low on foreign currency, its once plentiful natural gas exports have plummeted, inflation is at a 40-year high, and fuel is scarce.
In addition to the president’s resignation, unions are demanding wage increases and an end to fuel and dollar shortages. (CNN)