Bolivia's president declares emergency, moves to deploy military

Bolivia’s president declares an emergency and moves to deploy military forces to respond to escalating unrest tied to protests and blockades that have shut down the economy for 50 days. President Rodrigo Paz announced the state of emergency during a live national address over the weekend, granting broader constitutional powers to deploy armed forces to clear road blockages. The order took effect immediately, with Paz required to inform Congress within 24 hours, and Congress given up to 72 hours to approve or reject it. Protest groups, many linked to former leftist President Evo Morales, continue controlling key roads, disrupting transport of food, fuel, and medicines, including in La Paz. The crisis began when Paz abruptly removed long-standing fuel subsidies to reduce the budget deficit amid a worsening shortage of U.S. dollars and discussions with the IMF. Even after attempts to adjust fuel prices and reverse unpopular land reforms, demands expanded to include higher wages and Paz’s resignation. Paz said the emergency is intended to restore order and protect citizens.