Rodrigo Paz,president of Bolivia, declared state of emergency Saturday as protests intensified, crippling nation’s economy for nearly 50 days. This move gives Paz expanded powers to send military in to clear blockades disrupting vital supply routes .
Unrest sparked when Paz cut long-standing fuel subsidies trying to fix fiscal deficit amid dollar shortage and IMF talks. Protesters,many linked to ex-president Evo Morales, blocked key roads,choking off food,fuel,medical supplies, especially in La Paz.
Though Paz tried to stabilize fuel prices and backtrack on unpopular land reforms, discontent spread . Unions demanded higher wages, end to shortages. Situation worsened, calls for Paz's resignation grew louder. In a live address,he called protests a coordinated attempt to undermine democracy,stressed need for order,to protect citizens.
Emergency measures are immediate,but president must inform Congress within 24 hours . Lawmakers have 72 hours to approve or reject. Paz warned disruptors of legal consequences.
On Friday,Paz announced a deal with Bolivian Workers’ Confederation (COB) to ease tensions, but unrest continued. His latest actions show urgency to return normalcy in a nation facing widespread dissatisfaction…
