Additional Coverage:
Bolivia’s government has firmly ruled out declaring a state of emergency despite escalating protests that have led to widespread violence, numerous injuries, and arrests. The ongoing nationwide demonstrations have also caused significant economic disruption, with road blockades resulting in multimillion-dollar losses.
Presidential spokesperson José Luis Gálvez and Government Minister Marco Antonio Oviedo emphasized on Tuesday that invoking a state of emergency would only deepen social divisions. Authorities expressed concern that such a measure could allow protest groups to claim victimhood and garner sympathy both domestically and internationally.
“There is no possibility of a state of emergency. We will not take that step because the issue is concentrated here in La Paz,” Oviedo said in an interview with a local radio station. He added that the government would instead implement strict security measures, increasing police and military presence in La Paz and nearby El Alto.
The protests, which entered their third week, have been marked by violent clashes in downtown La Paz. Thousands of demonstrators, many supporters of former President Evo Morales, marched from El Alto to Plaza Murillo-the site of the Presidential Palace and Parliament-demanding the resignation of President Rodrigo Paz.
Confrontations escalated with protesters using dynamite and powerful firecrackers, met by tear gas and other chemical agents from security forces. The unrest resulted in significant damage to public property, vehicles set ablaze, and over 95 arrests.
Bolivia’s Highway Administration reported more than 40 blockade points across six departments, effectively paralyzing internal transit. Over 130 fuel tankers remain stranded on highways, exacerbating shortages of diesel and gasoline. Hospitals have declared emergencies due to dwindling supplies of medical oxygen and essential materials.
Rather than imposing emergency powers, the government has opted for an operational containment strategy that includes establishing humanitarian corridors in coordination with neighboring countries such as Argentina, Chile, and Ecuador. These corridors aim to secure land and air routes for the delivery of vital food and fuel supplies.
Authorities have also pledged tougher legal action against protest leaders, bringing charges related to vandalism and efforts to destabilize the government. The demonstrations, organized by the Central Obrera Boliviana (COB), the country’s main labor union federation, center around wage demands and opposition to a series of economic reforms promoted by the government.
The unrest underscores deeper political tensions, with the administration accusing factions linked to former President Evo Morales of fomenting violence and seeking to overthrow the government through undemocratic means. Public Works Minister Mauricio Zamora asserted, “They do not have a serious proposal. They want to return to power through violence.”
Business groups have voiced serious concern over the crisis, unanimously calling for decisive government action to clear blockades. They warn that Bolivia faces an imminent institutional and economic collapse. The Bolivian Institute of Foreign Trade (IBCE) estimates losses exceeding $500 million after just over ten days of blockades, while the National Chamber of Commerce reports daily losses surpassing $50 million.
In response to the mounting crisis, Vice President Edmand Lara issued an open letter calling for immediate national dialogue without preconditions. His appeal seeks to foster political negotiations aimed at ending street violence and preventing a humanitarian disaster in Bolivia’s major cities.