Photos| Declaring a state of emergency in Bolivia after weeks of protests

In early May, the main labor union launched a protest movement denouncing the government’s failure to confront the economic crisis that the country is going through, which is the most severe in forty years.

Reform Proposals

The barriers that were set up on roads in various parts of the country caused a shortage of food, medicine and fuel in several cities, especially in La Paz, the administrative capital.

The president of the union, Mario Argulo, said "As of now, pressure measures are being lifted across the country"

Under the agreement, the government pledged in particular not to privatize public companies.

Farmer Unions

Not all sectors participating in the movement agreed to the agreement, as groups of farmers, along with coca farmers in the Chapare region, the stronghold of former President Evo Morales (2006-2019) in the center of the country, continued their protest movement.

Antonio said Malko, leader of one of the country’s most prominent farmers’ unions, told Unitel TV "We decided to strengthen the barriers"adding "Our indigenous brothers felt betrayed" By Argulo and the labor union.

The peak of the protests

Although the number of barriers had decreased, which exceeded 100 at the peak of the protests, about 40 barriers were still standing on Saturday morning, according to the authorities.

In El Alto, adjacent to the city of La Paz, dozens of police officers began removing obstacles placed by demonstrators, using public works vehicles to remove piles of dust and other waste that were blocking the roads, according to what AFP journalists reported.

Residents applauded the police. A man offered bread to one of the policemen.

Road closures

Carla Butrón, a 39-year-old shop owner from El Alto, told AFP that she felt… "With overwhelming happiness and peace" When the police removed the obstacles, they pointed out that they had not been able to work since the roads were closed.

Paz said that he had issued orders to the police and armed forces to…"Restoring traffic to normal, restoring control of the roads, and ensuring the safety of residents". He warned that anyone who continues to close roads or resorts to violence will be confronted "The maximum penalty provided by law"

He justified his decision to declare a state of emergency for a period of 90 days by referring to "A coup attempt led by drug-related terror networks"

Encouraging protests

The government constantly accuses former President Evo Morales of encouraging protests and blocking roads. But Argulo stresses that Morales never led the movement.

On Saturday, Interior Minister Marco Antonio Oviedo raised speculation that an imminent law enforcement operation could be launched targeting Morales, as he said in a statement to a Bolivian television station that the security forces "Any necessary operation will be carried out in a timely manner"The former president must appear before the judiciary.