Bolivian president declares state of emergency

The emergency declaration gives Paz broader constitutional tools to restore order, such as sending ​armed forces to clear the blockades.

Bolivian President Rodrigo Paz declared a state of emergency on Saturday, granting broader powers to deploy the military and clear road blockades after nearly two months of protests paralysed the economy and fuelled demands for his resignation.

While the order takes effect immediately, the president must notify Congress of the state of emergency within 24 hours of issuing the decree, and Congress then has up to 72 hours to approve or reject the measure.

The conflict initially erupted after Paz abruptly cut long-standing fuel subsidies to shrink ‌the deficit, amid a worsening dollar crunch and talks with the International Monetary Fund.