Bolivia’s President Rodrigo Paz has declared a state of emergency following weeks of protests and road blockades. The decision was taken on Saturday as anti-government protests intensified against rising cost of living, economic pressures and energy crisis.
President Paz said a state of emergency has been declared to normalize the country’s roads and keep public life moving. He said that the army and police have been given the opportunity to take measures to control the law and order situation.
The ongoing movement, led by labor unions, farmers and supporters of former President Evo Morales, is demanding the resignation of the government. Food, fuel and medical supplies have been severely disrupted due to road blockades and the country’s economy has been almost at a standstill for the past 50 days.
The government said the state of emergency was declared after efforts to negotiate and compromise failed. They claim that the country is being destabilized through violence and blockade, so strict action is necessary.
President Paz came to power seven months ago and the country has been in a long-term economic crisis. The situation worsened after fuel subsidies were cut to reduce the budget deficit. The economy is under pressure due to foreign exchange shortages, reduced gas exports and high inflation.
Last month he signed a law allowing the military to intervene in internal conflicts. However, he then said, emergency will be declared only if talks fail.
The unrest erupted in the country in May after the government withdrew long-standing energy subsidies to reduce the budget deficit. Since then the economic crisis has deepened. The country’s economy is under severe pressure due to foreign exchange shortages, declining natural gas exports and the highest inflation in 40 years. There is also an acute fuel crisis.
The labor unions have demanded the president’s resignation as well as wage increases, an end to the energy crisis and normalization of the dollar supply.
Times BD/RA
