A soldier stands exterior the Estado Mayor headquarters after Bolivian President Rodrigo Paz declared a nationwide state of emergency following weeks of violence and blockades in La Paz, Bolivia, on June 20, 2026.
| Photograph Credit score: Reuters
Bolivia’s disaster intensified on Saturday (June 20, 2026) as President Rodrigo Paz declared a state of emergency, enabling wider navy deployment to clear blockades and restore order after protests introduced the economic system to a halt over the previous 50 days.
The transfer got here in a dwell message to the nation simply hours after Mr. Paz unveiled a deal struck on Friday (June 19, 2026) with the primary union, the Bolivian Employees’ Confederation (COB), that aimed to ease rigidity.
The battle initially erupted after Mr. Paz abruptly reduce long-standing gasoline subsidies to shrink the deficit, amid a worsening greenback crunch and talks with the Worldwide Financial Fund.
Bolivia’s President Rodrigo Paz speaks on the day he indicators an settlement with the Bolivian Employees’ Confederation union after 50 days of anti-government protests, a step towards resolving a battle that has paralysed the nation, in La Paz, Bolivia, on June 19, 2026.
| Photograph Credit score:
Presidencia de Bolivia by way of Reuters
Regardless of later steps to stabilise gasoline costs and reverse unpopular land reforms, protests intensified into broader discontent, with unions demanding wage will increase, an finish to gasoline and greenback shortages, and Mr. Paz’s resignation.
Protesting teams, many allied to former leftist President Evo Morales, have reduce off key roads, stranding vehicles and choking provides of meals, gasoline and medicines to many areas, together with La Paz.
The emergency declaration offers Mr. Paz broader constitutional instruments to revive order, resembling sending armed forces to clear blockades.
Printed – June 20, 2026 01:53 pm IST