The Bolivian president declares a state of emergency to confront the protests

The crisis intensified in Bolivia on Saturday with President Rodrigo Paz declaring a state of emergency, allowing the deployment of army forces on a larger scale to remove barriers and restore order after protests that paralyzed the economy over the past fifty days.

Although the order takes effect immediately, the president must notify Congress of the emergency within 24 hours of issuing the order, and Congress then has up to 72 hours to approve or reject the measure.

The protest groups, many of which are allies of former leftist President Evo Morales, blocked major roads, stranding trucks and disrupting the supply of food, fuel and medicine to many areas, including the city of La Paz.

The crisis initially erupted after Paz suddenly cut long-standing fuel subsidies with the aim of reducing the deficit, amid a worsening dollar crisis and talks with the International Monetary Fund.

Despite subsequent steps to stabilize fuel prices and roll back unpopular land reforms, the protests intensified into broader discontent, with unions demanding higher wages, an end to fuel and dollar shortages, and Paz’s resignation.

Paz’s announcement came in a live broadcast to the nation a few hours after he revealed an agreement reached yesterday, Friday, with the main union, the Bolivian Workers’ Union, to ease tensions.