Bolivia: why Rodrigo Paz declared a state of emergency

Several farmers’ groups and social organisations have in fact decided to continue their campaign. These include the coca farmers of the Chapare, the region in central Bolivia which for years has been the main political stronghold of former president Evo Morales.

Negotiations with Cob alone were therefore not enough to bring the situation back under control. In his address to the nation, Paz explained that he had ‘exhausted all avenues of dialogue’, that he had reached agreements with the sectors whose demands were deemed legitimate, and that he had decided to intervene to ensure freedom of movement and the restoration of supplies.

“Bolivians cannot continue to be held hostage by roadblocks that prevent them from working, studying, receiving medical treatment, obtaining essential goods and providing for their families,” he said.

The Bolivian economic model, which for years had benefited from revenue generated by natural gas exports, has been creaking at the seams for months now. For almost twenty years, gas has been one of the driving forces behind the economy. Exports to neighbouring countries have brought the state billions of dollars, which have been used to fund public spending, social programmes and fuel subsidies. In recent years, however, production has fallen and revenues have declined. At the same time, the central bank’s foreign exchange reserves have gradually dwindled.

With less gas to export and fewer dollars to buy fuel, medicines and other essential goods from abroad, the economic difficulties have moved from the public finances into people’s homes. And in May, a national mobilisation began.

Trade unions, farmers’ organisations, social movements and other groups are demanding a response to the crisis. As the weeks have gone by, however, part of the protest has taken on an increasingly political dimension, going so far in some cases as to openly call for the president’s resignation.

Roadblocks have become the main means of exerting pressure. In a vast, mountainous country like Bolivia, where most goods are transported by road, blocking the main transport routes means bringing the entire economic system to a standstill. According to estimates released by business associations (and therefore not government figures), the cumulative losses over the past few weeks are said to have reached a figure of around 5 per cent of the gross domestic product forecast for 2026. Thus, during the night between Friday and Saturday, the decision was taken: a state of emergency across the whole country.

The measure is based on Law 1740, which was passed by the Legislative Assembly on 8 June. According to the government, the measure does not entail a blanket suspension of economic activities or of fundamental constitutional rights.

There are no plans for a nationwide curfew. No blanket law applicable across the whole country has been introduced. Schools, universities, markets, businesses and the banking system will continue to operate as normal.

The stated aim is, in fact, to ban road and motorway blockades, ensure the free movement of people and allow the transport of essential goods.

The Armed Forces will temporarily assist the Police in operations necessary to clear transport routes and protect infrastructure and services. Temporary restrictions may be imposed only in areas affected by incidents of violence or particular security risks. “This state of emergency is not intended to eliminate normality, but to restore it,” said Paz. A promise that will be judged not by the number of motorways cleared, but by Bolivia’s ability to emerge from the crisis that caused them to become gridlocked.