Bolivian President Rodrigo Paz has declared a state of emergency, authorising the military to clear roadblocks that have paralysed the economy for 50 days and left at least 14 people dead.
In a televised address on Saturday, the centrist leader said the blockades were no longer a social protest but "an organised attempt to destabilise Bolivia's democracy".
"There comes a moment when failing to act ceases to be prudence and becomes irresponsibility," Paz said, promising the measure would protect citizens and ensure the flow of essential goods.
Security forces moved swiftly to clear key highways, including routes near the capital La Paz and neighbouring El Alto, where supplies of food, fuel and medicines have been choked off.
Large crowds gathered to watch as tractors and vehicles removed debris from roads that had resulted in hundreds of trucks being stranded. "We want gasoline!" chanted lorry drivers who had been sleeping in their vehicles for days.
The President's move has won rare cross-party support, with both government allies and opposition politicians backing the declaration. Congress had already cleared the path in May, by repealing legislation that previously limited the executive's use of emergency orders.
"We hope that with this, order and peace can be restored," said Lissa Claros, a lawmaker from the right-wing opposition Alianza Libre party.
However, some opposition figures have warned the measures could deepen unrest. The government insists there are no curfews, though it is considering "extraordinary measures" in sensitive areas.
The crisis erupted after Mr Paz abruptly cut longstanding fuel subsidies to shrink the deficit, amid a worsening dollar crunch and talks with the International Monetary Fund.
Protesters, many allied to former leftist President Evo Morales, have blocked major roads across the country. Morales has denied stoking the unrest, describing it instead as an "indigenous rebellion" driven by economic hardship.
Paz, who has been in power for seven months, has blamed his predecessor for the chaos.
Bolivian President Rodrigo Paz has declared a state of emergency, authorising the military to clear roadblocks that have paralysed the economy for 50 ...
A 46-year-old Italian tourist has died after a major fire tore through a beachfront hotel in the Dominican Republic, forcing the evacuation of nearly ...
Ukranian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has warned of an impending massive Russian attack on Ukraine. It comes days after Kyiv carried out a major aeri...
Iran's top joint military command, Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, has said that the Strait of Hormuz is closed to ships again, citing a...
The wife of Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez must stand trial on corruption charges and has been banned from leaving the country, a judge has ru...
A 46-year-old Italian tourist has died after a major fire tore through a beachfront hotel in the Dominican Republic, forcing the evacuation of nearly 1,700 guests and staff.
Ukranian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has warned of an impending massive Russian attack on Ukraine. It comes days after Kyiv carried out a major aeriel assault on Russia, including striking an oil refinery just 16km (10 miles) from the Kremlin in Moscow, sparking a major fire and killing four.
The wife of Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez must stand trial on corruption charges and has been banned from leaving the country, a judge has ruled.
A train driver has been killed and nine people remain in a critical condition in hospital, after two trains collided near Beford in the east of England on Friday. The passenger trains heading to London collided at around 17:15 local time (1615 GMT).
A train driver has been killed and nine people remain in a critical condition in hospital, after two trains collided near Beford in the east of England on Friday. The passenger trains heading to London collided at around 17:15 local time (1615 GMT).
Morocco captain and PSG defender Achraf Hakimi will face trial in France after an appeals court ruled there was enough evidence for the case to proceed.
Paraguay kept their World Cup hopes alive with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Türkiye, but the celebrations were tempered by a costly red card for veteran forward Miguel Almirón.
Israel and Hezbollah have agreed to a ceasefire, a senior U.S. official has said. Hezbollah has released a statement saying Israel must leave southern Lebanon. Israel has said it agrees to the ceasefire, but has said its armed forces won't leave Lebanon and will resume hostilities if attacked.
U.S. President Donald Trump sought a deal with Iran "out of deperation," Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has said, in a statement on social media. Khamenei added that he himself "held a different view," to Trump, but allowed the agreement after receiving assurances from Iran's President.
At least seven people were killed and several others injured after two roadside bombs exploded in quick succession in northwest Pakistan on Saturday (20 June), according to local police.
Russia is seeking to expand cooperation with Central Asian countries in the exploration, extraction and processing of rare earth metals, underlining the region's growing importance in the global race for critical raw materials.
Pakistan has emerged as a key intermediary in U.S.-Iran diplomacy after months of shuttle talks, draft revisions and regional coordination involving Gulf states and China. An interim understanding has been reached, but officials warn the most difficult phase of negotiations still lies ahead.
The United States is working with Qatar on a plan that could give Iran access to billions of dollars in frozen funds for humanitarian purchases, The Wall Street Journal reported, citing people familiar with the matter.
Israel and Hezbollah have agreed to a ceasefire, a senior U.S. official has said. Hezbollah has released a statement saying Israel must leave southern Lebanon. Israel has said it agrees to the ceasefire, but has said its armed forces won't leave Lebanon and will resume hostilities if attacked.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment