BOLIVIAN PRESIDENT DECLARES STATE OF EMERGENCY AMID WEEKS OF PROTESTS

Rodrigo Paz, President of Bolivia, declared a state of emergency on Saturday following weeks of protests that have paralysed large parts of the nation. The declaration grants Paz broader powers to clear road blockades erected by demonstrators, which have caused serious shortages of basic goods. Bolivia's Congress must approve or reject the measure within 72 hours. Paz said in a social media post that the state of emergency would "free the country's roads" and "restore" normalcy.

The blockades, led by miners, farmers and indigenous groups, began at the end of April following Paz's proposal for land reform. Paz has since withdrawn the reform proposal, but protests have expanded to encompass demands for reinstatement of fuel subsidies, reversal of austerity measures, and Paz's resignation. According to reports, several people have died and hundreds have been arrested during the unrest. Paz stated the crisis represented "an organised attempt to destabilise the country" and said Bolivians "cannot continue to be hostages of blockades that prevent working, studying, receiving medical attention, supplying themselves, and bringing sustenance to their homes."

Hours before the declaration, Paz announced a deal had been struck with the Bolivian Workers' Confederation, the country's main union. However, some indigenous groups stated they would continue protests, with road blockades remaining in place. Police and military personnel were reported in main squares on Saturday. Paz, a centre-right politician elected in October, has stated that proposed constitutional changes are necessary to open the economy to private investment.