Bolivia’s president declares state of emergency after weeks of protests
Bolivia's President Rodrigo Paz has declared a nationwide state of emergency to free the country's roads from blockades after over six weeks of protests demanding his resignation. Paz announced the emergency measure early Saturday, stating it is to give freedom back to the people and liberate Bolivia from those using political conflict to block roads and harm the population. The president called the situation an organized attempt to destabilize democracy, saying the decision came after exhausting all avenues of dialogue. The emergency declaration gives Paz expanded constitutional powers to restore order, including the option to deploy armed forces to dismantle blockades. The order is effective immediately, but Paz must inform Congress within 24 hours, and Congress has up to 72 hours to endorse or dismiss the declaration. The conflict erupted in May after Paz scrapped two-decade-old fuel subsidies, causing gas […]