Bolivia has declared a state of emergency amid the blockade Government Affairs

For weeks, protests have been taking place over the impeachment of President Rodrigo Paz.

President of Bolivia Rodrigo Paz has declared an emergency, which gives the military the power to remove blockades that have disrupted food and fuel.

Barricades have been erected in the main streets of the administration’s capital, La Paz, after protests demanding Paz’s ouster have crippled the economy over the past 50 days.

Speaking to the whole country on Saturday morning, Paz said that the government blockade was no longer a protest but aimed at disrupting democracy in Bolivia.

“This is not an emergency to prevent people’s lives, but it is a problem to restore people’s freedom,” the president said in a televised speech.

He said the state of emergency is to ensure the availability of fuel, which has been disrupted due to roads that have left tankers parked.

According to the government, the order will last for 90 days but can be lifted earlier if “violence and intimidation ceases”.

But in particular, the law prohibits “blocking roads, streets, roads and highways in ways that affect traffic and goods”.

It also orders the military to temporarily assist the police “in restoring order, reopening roads and protecting the public.”

In the past five weeks, protests have taken place against Paz’s austerity measures, which have included the removal of fuel subsidies and other measures.

The demonstrations, however, have led to clashes between protesters and riot police, resulting in 365 arrests and 37 injuries, according to government officials.

At least 17 people have also died, many of them affected by the lack of medical care due to traffic jams, Bolivia’s ombudsman’s office and human rights groups said.

But amid the protests, businesses closed, supermarket shelves disappeared, and hospitals ran out of air. Some groups have asked Paz to restore order in the country through the use of force.

On Friday night, Paz signed an agreement with one of the labor unions whose leaders demanded the removal of the barriers. However, some protesters have asked Paz to resign and he has refused to negotiate.

After taking office in November, the president promised to end the oil deficit, increase central bank reserves and protect the economy.

However, his austerity measures, particularly the elimination of long-term fuel subsidies, have fueled inflation. Reforms to encourage foreign investment and encourage economic growth are also on the table in Congress.

Highland Indigenous and rural groups have led the protests, accusing his government of neglecting their needs since coming to office.