Bolivia Declares Emergency After 50 Days of Blockades
Bolivia's President Rodrigo Paz declared a state of emergency. The country has faced blockades and protests for 50 days.
Protesters want Paz to resign. The blockades have badly damaged Bolivia's economy.
Shortages of food, medicine and fuel hit the capital city. Hours before the emergency declaration Paz made a deal with Bolivia's main workers' union to end protests.
But the deal did not fully end the crisis. Rural groups linked to former President Evo Morales were not part of the deal.
Those groups kept blocking roads near the Cochabamba area. The emergency declaration allows the military to be sent across the country.
Paz warned that people continuing disruptions would face legal action. The crisis began after Paz suddenly cut long-standing fuel subsidies.
Bolivia was short on dollars and was in talks with the IMF. Protests then grew to include demands for higher wages and Paz's resignation.
Key Terms 5
- State of emergency Government crisis measure giving leaders extra powers to restore order
- Blockade When protesters block roads to stop movement of people and goods
- Fuel subsidies Government payments that keep fuel prices low for ordinary people
- IMF International Monetary Fund — a global body that lends money to countries
- COB Bolivia's main workers' union federation representing many workers