Why Bolivia declared state of emergency amid protests? US Defence Chief Pete Hegseth warns ‘United States is watching’
Bolivian President Rodrigo Paz on Saturday announced a state of emergency, granting the military expanded authority to dismantle road blockades that have severely disrupted the
Bolivian President Rodrigo Paz on Saturday announced a state of emergency, granting the military expanded authority to dismantle road blockades that have severely disrupted the supply of fuel and food in the capital and other major cities, as reported by AP. Over the past five weeks, widespread protests have demanded his resignation in response to government-imposed austerity measures, including the removal of fuel subsidies and other economic reforms. The unrest has led to violent clashes between protesters, some reportedly using dynamite, and riot police. Authorities say the violence has resulted in at least 365 arrests and 37 injuries. At least 17 people have died, most of them linked to a lack of medical care caused by transportation disruptions, according to Bolivia’s ombudsman’s office and human rights organisations. Barricades erected on key roads have effectively isolated the city of La Paz, triggering fuel and food shortages, paralysing transportation and preventing patients from reaching hospitals — causing at least seven deaths for lack of medical attention, the government says, as reported by AP. “This is not a state of emergency to restrict people’s lives. It is a state of emergency to give people back their freedom,” the president said in a televised address to the nation.
As the protests dragged on, many businesses shut down, supermarket shelves were left bare, and hospitals reported shortages of oxygen supplies. Amid the worsening situation, some sections of society called on President Paz to use force to restore order. On Friday night, Paz reached an agreement with one of the labour unions, whose leaders urged that the road blockades be lifted. However, other groups of protesters have continued to demand his resignation and have refused to enter into negotiations. Also Read | War in Lebanon casts shadow over renewed Iran-US nuclear talks Paz said that the state of emergency is intended to guarantee fuel supplies, which have become increasingly scarce as roadblocks have left tanker trucks stranded. The decree prohibits “blocking streets, avenues, roads and highways in ways that affect transportation and supplies,” and orders the armed forces to temporarily support the police “in restoring order, reopening roads and protecting the population.” The state of emergency doesn't limit due process rights or constitutional guarantees and allows people to continue their daily activities, according to the decree, AP reported. The state of emergency will last 90 days, but could be lifted earlier if “violence and threats against the population come to an end,” the government said in a statement.
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