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LA PAZ: Tensions soared in parts of Bolivia on Saturday as authorities began clearing roadblocks after President Rodrigo Paz declared a state of emergency amid protests that have paralysed the economy over the past 50 days and left at least 14 people dead.
Addressing the nation early, the centrist Paz said anti-government blockades were no longer a social protest but an organised attempt to destabilise Bolivia’s democracy.
“There comes a moment when failing to act ceases to be prudence and becomes irresponsibility. And that moment has arrived,” Paz said, promising the measure, which enables wider military deployment, would protect citizens and ensure the flow of essential goods.
He warned that those continuing disruptions would face legal consequences. Protesting groups, many allied to former leftist President Evo Morales, have cut off key roads, stranding trucks and choking supplies of food, fuel and medicines to many areas, particularly hurting Bolivia’s administrative capital La Paz and the neighboring city of El Alto.
