Bolivian President Rodrigo Paz declared a state of emergency in the early hours of this morning in an attempt to deal with the crisis deepened by road blockades and mass protests that have paralyzed the country's economy for more than 50 days.
The decision was made public during an address to the nation and paves the way for the engagement of armed forces within the territory, with the aim of restoring public order and unblocking the main transport axes.
This development comes just hours after the government announced an agreement with the country's main union confederation, Central Obrera Boliviana, which announced the lifting of the pressure measures. However, the agreement does not include all sectors mobilized in the protest, leaving out several important social and economic groups.
Meanwhile, farmers' organizations and coca growers in the Chapare region, an area known as a stronghold of former President Evo Morales, have continued protests and blockades. Their representatives have said they will intensify their street actions.
"The indigenous brothers feel betrayed," said Antonio Malcu, one of the leaders of the market organizations, criticizing the agreement between the government and the main union. The political and social crisis in Bolivia remains open, as the country faces an escalation of tensions and insecurity in some of the main economic and rural areas.
#Bolivia | President Rodrigo Paz Pereira decreed a State of Exception in all the national territory, ante la situation de conflictividad y emergency que vive el país.
// Gestileza Bolivia Tv (Presidential canteen) pic.twitter.com/pC6q7d7fon
— Noticias Bolivianas (@eabolivia) June 20, 2026
