Overview
- President Rodrigo Paz declared a state of emergency on Saturday that authorizes wider use of the armed forces and police to clear road blockades and restore traffic.
- The government reached a deal on Friday with the Bolivian Workers’ Confederation (COB) but powerful rural federations such as Tupac Katari and other Morales‑aligned groups refused to join and remain in control of key highways.
- Fifty days of multi‑sector blockades have choked fuel, food and medical supplies, left hospitals low on medicines and oxygen, and an ombudsman reported at least 14 deaths tied to the crisis.
- Former president Evo Morales has kept regular contact with protesters, told reporters he has thought about a political return, and denies the trafficking charges that prompted an outstanding arrest warrant while the government blames his allies for stoking unrest.
- The emergency order takes effect immediately yet must be sent to Congress for review within 24 hours, and human‑rights advocates warn expanded military powers to clear blockades could fuel further violence and political backlash.