Bolivian President Rodrigo Paz has declared a state of emergency and is giving himself sweeping powers to deploy troops in a bid to restore order amid widespread protests that have brought the country’s economy to a standstill for the past 50 days.
Under Bolivian law, the president’s order takes effect immediately; however, he is required to notify Congress within the next 24 hours, which will then approve or reject the measure within the next 72 hours.
The South American country is facing an economic crisis as it negotiates a bailout with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
The protests started shortly after President Paz cut fuel subsidies in an attempt to stabilize the economy and reduce the deficit.
Protesters have blocked key roads, limited medicine, food and fuel supplies, bringing the country’s economy to a virtual standstill.
Despite the measures taken by the government, protests have widened and unions are now demanding the resignation of the president and an end to fuel and dollar shortages.
In a direct address to the nation, President Paz described the protests as an organized attempt to destabilize the economy, adding: “It is not a state of emergency to restrict people’s lives. It is a state of emergency to give freedom back to people.”
