Bolivian President Paz declares state of emergency over anti-government blockades
Key takeaways
- Issued on: 20/06/2026 - 08:44Modified: 20/06/2026 - 08:46
- The move came in a live message to the nation just hours after Paz unveiled a deal struck on Friday with the main union, the Bolivian Workers’ Confederation, (COB) that aimed to ease tension.
- The conflict initially erupted after Paz abruptly cut long-standing fuel subsidies to shrink the deficit, amid a worsening dollar crunch and talks with the International Monetary Fund.
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Bolivian President Rodrigo Paz declared a state of emergency on Saturday, granting broader powers to deploy the military and clear road blockades after nearly two months of protests paralysed the economy and fuelled demands for his resignation.
Issued on: 20/06/2026 - 08:44Modified: 20/06/2026 - 08:46
By: FRANCE 24 Bolivia's President Rodrigo Paz speaks on the day he signs an agreement with the Bolivian Workers' Confederation (COB) union after 50 days of anti-government protests, a step toward resolving a conflict that has paralyzed the country, in La Paz, Bolivia, June 19, 2026. © via Reuters Bolivia’s crisis intensified on Saturday as President Rodrigo Paz declared a state of emergency, enabling wider military deployment to clear blockades and restore order after protests brought the economy to a halt over the past 50 days.