Paz's declaration came in a live message to the nation just hours after he unveiled a deal struck on Friday with the main union, the Bolivian Workers’ Confederation (COB), aimed at easing tensions.

The crisis in Bolivia have worsened since April as roadblocks and demonstrations crippled the nation.

Bolivia’s President Rodrigo Paz declared a state of emergency early on Saturday, after weeks of mass protests over rising living costs and economic pressure that have since grown…