Bolivian President Paz declares state of emergency over anti-government blockades

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.

The move came in a ‌live message to the nation just hours after ⁠Paz unveiled a deal struck on Friday with the main union, the Bolivian Workers' ​Confederation, (COB) that aimed to ease tension.

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.

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 emergency declaration gives Paz broader constitutional tools to restore order, such ⁠as sending armed forces to clear blockades.

(FRANCE 24 with Reuters)