Bolivia Announces 90-day Emergency Amid Incessant Nation Wide Protests
Protests against the government have been ongoing in the South American nation of Bolivia for nearly 50 days.
La Paz: Protests against the government have been ongoing in the South American nation of Bolivia for nearly 50 days. Following the deterioration of the situation, President Rodrigo Paz has declared a 90-day state of emergency across the country.
The army has also been deployed to clear protests and remove road blockades. The movement began with demands for President Paz's resignation, but gradually expanded to include issues such as inflation, fuel prices, land-related laws, and economic hardships.
Protesters erected barricades and obstacles on several major roads, disrupting the nationwide supply of food, fuel, and medicines. The primary trigger for the protests was the government's decision to eliminate fuel subsidies. The government took this step due to the country's rising fiscal deficit, a shortage of US dollars, and ongoing negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
Opposition to Land Reform Law?
The law in question permitted the mortgaging of land to secure loans. People feared that this could allow large corporations to seize their land. Although the government later attempted to control fuel prices and reverse some decisions related to land reform, the movement had already intensified by then. Violent clashes between protesters and the police occurred in several locations.
According to government figures, 365 people have been arrested and 37 injured so far. There are also reports of 17 deaths resulting from delays in medical treatment caused by road blockades and the ensuing chaos. Workers, transport employees, teachers, rural communities, and various labor organizations also participated in the protests. They argue that the government has failed to address inflation, the rising cost of living, and the economic crisis.
Did former President Also Support the Movement?
Supporters of former President Evo Morales also backed the movement and blocked roads, further exacerbating shortages of food, fuel, and medical supplies. President Paz stated that the road blockades were disrupting people's daily lives and announced that the army and bulldozers would be used to clear the routes. The government claims that this step has been taken to restore peace and normalcy in the country. Although many support it, a large number of protesters are still demanding the President's resignation.
